Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
@priestleycentre.bsky.social
Bringing together climate experts from across the University of Leeds to develop innovations, deliver education and inform policy for a better future.
COP - a failing approach in need of radical change?
🌎 Professor Jan Selby writes how COP30 in Belém promised ambition and inclusivity, yet like COP29 in Baku, it ended in disappointment.
What do you think about COP? Let us know in the comments!
climate.leeds.ac.uk/a-tale-of-tw...
🌎 Professor Jan Selby writes how COP30 in Belém promised ambition and inclusivity, yet like COP29 in Baku, it ended in disappointment.
What do you think about COP? Let us know in the comments!
climate.leeds.ac.uk/a-tale-of-tw...
A Tale of Two COPs - Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
by Jan Selby* Last year, the annual circus of the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) travelled to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan. The proceedings w...
climate.leeds.ac.uk
December 4, 2025 at 2:33 PM
COP - a failing approach in need of radical change?
🌎 Professor Jan Selby writes how COP30 in Belém promised ambition and inclusivity, yet like COP29 in Baku, it ended in disappointment.
What do you think about COP? Let us know in the comments!
climate.leeds.ac.uk/a-tale-of-tw...
🌎 Professor Jan Selby writes how COP30 in Belém promised ambition and inclusivity, yet like COP29 in Baku, it ended in disappointment.
What do you think about COP? Let us know in the comments!
climate.leeds.ac.uk/a-tale-of-tw...
COP30 in Belém was billed as 'the COP of implementation'; a moment to turn promises into action.
Priestley member and COP30 delegate Jyoti Narsude shares her thoughts on the reality.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/does-cop-imp...
Priestley member and COP30 delegate Jyoti Narsude shares her thoughts on the reality.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/does-cop-imp...
Reflecting on COP30: Did the ‘Implementation COP’ Deliver? - Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
COP30 in Belém was billed as the COP of implementation; a moment to turn promises into action. Expectations were huge, including stronger commitments on fossil fuel phase-out, forest protection, and c...
climate.leeds.ac.uk
December 2, 2025 at 11:33 AM
COP30 in Belém was billed as 'the COP of implementation'; a moment to turn promises into action.
Priestley member and COP30 delegate Jyoti Narsude shares her thoughts on the reality.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/does-cop-imp...
Priestley member and COP30 delegate Jyoti Narsude shares her thoughts on the reality.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/does-cop-imp...
Uni of Leeds received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for 150 years of textile research!
Priestley members are leading sustainability breakthroughs:
✅SwitchDye spin-out: cutting chemicals in polyester dye
✅Research on clothing durability to reduce waste
climate.leeds.ac.uk/universitys-...
Priestley members are leading sustainability breakthroughs:
✅SwitchDye spin-out: cutting chemicals in polyester dye
✅Research on clothing durability to reduce waste
climate.leeds.ac.uk/universitys-...
November 28, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Uni of Leeds received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for 150 years of textile research!
Priestley members are leading sustainability breakthroughs:
✅SwitchDye spin-out: cutting chemicals in polyester dye
✅Research on clothing durability to reduce waste
climate.leeds.ac.uk/universitys-...
Priestley members are leading sustainability breakthroughs:
✅SwitchDye spin-out: cutting chemicals in polyester dye
✅Research on clothing durability to reduce waste
climate.leeds.ac.uk/universitys-...
COP30 in Belém began with optimism but ended with mixed results.
In her latest blog, Catriona Flesher, PhD researcher in Loss and Damage, explores what #COP30 tells us about the evolving role of the UNFCCC
climate.leeds.ac.uk/hope-and-har...
In her latest blog, Catriona Flesher, PhD researcher in Loss and Damage, explores what #COP30 tells us about the evolving role of the UNFCCC
climate.leeds.ac.uk/hope-and-har...
Hope and hard lessons: COP30 and the changing role of the UNFCCC - Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
High hopes and heavy hearts COP30 was met with an air of optimism in climate policy, coming on the heels of several COPs hosted in oil-producing states; just last year, the COP29 President in Azerbai...
climate.leeds.ac.uk
November 27, 2025 at 4:53 PM
COP30 in Belém began with optimism but ended with mixed results.
In her latest blog, Catriona Flesher, PhD researcher in Loss and Damage, explores what #COP30 tells us about the evolving role of the UNFCCC
climate.leeds.ac.uk/hope-and-har...
In her latest blog, Catriona Flesher, PhD researcher in Loss and Damage, explores what #COP30 tells us about the evolving role of the UNFCCC
climate.leeds.ac.uk/hope-and-har...
New research shows cutting energy demand could be the cheapest, fastest route to net zero.
Priestley members & partners demonstrate how changes in travel, heating, & consumption can cut emissions, save money, & improve lives - challenging current UK energy policy.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/news/cutting...
Priestley members & partners demonstrate how changes in travel, heating, & consumption can cut emissions, save money, & improve lives - challenging current UK energy policy.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/news/cutting...
Cutting energy demand could be the cheapest, most efficient route to net zero, new research says - Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
Reducing the UK’s energy demand could help the country reach its net zero target faster and at half the cost compared to relying mainly on supply-side technologies, according to new research by energy...
climate.leeds.ac.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:55 AM
New research shows cutting energy demand could be the cheapest, fastest route to net zero.
Priestley members & partners demonstrate how changes in travel, heating, & consumption can cut emissions, save money, & improve lives - challenging current UK energy policy.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/news/cutting...
Priestley members & partners demonstrate how changes in travel, heating, & consumption can cut emissions, save money, & improve lives - challenging current UK energy policy.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/news/cutting...
Despite #COP30 coming to a close, the work of our Leeds delegates continues. Food systems have been a hot topic at this year's COP, and Oscar Abel Sánchez-Velázquez has written an article explaining why.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/how-can-our-...
climate.leeds.ac.uk/how-can-our-...
How Can Our Food Systems Help Us Adapt to Climate Change? - Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
Extreme heat, crop failures, disrupted supply chains, and rising food prices are becoming part of our daily reality. As climate change accelerates, our food systems—already responsible for around a th...
climate.leeds.ac.uk
November 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Despite #COP30 coming to a close, the work of our Leeds delegates continues. Food systems have been a hot topic at this year's COP, and Oscar Abel Sánchez-Velázquez has written an article explaining why.
climate.leeds.ac.uk/how-can-our-...
climate.leeds.ac.uk/how-can-our-...
We’ve been busy at #COP30 in Belém!
🌍 From carbon budgets to climate-resilient food systems, the University of Leeds team has been everywhere. Here’s what we’ve been up to 👇 (1/6)
🌍 From carbon budgets to climate-resilient food systems, the University of Leeds team has been everywhere. Here’s what we’ve been up to 👇 (1/6)
November 21, 2025 at 3:09 PM
We’ve been busy at #COP30 in Belém!
🌍 From carbon budgets to climate-resilient food systems, the University of Leeds team has been everywhere. Here’s what we’ve been up to 👇 (1/6)
🌍 From carbon budgets to climate-resilient food systems, the University of Leeds team has been everywhere. Here’s what we’ve been up to 👇 (1/6)
Fantastic to see Dominick Spracklen and his team involved in this report presented at COP30 yesterday. Leeds research on tropical forests and local climate is contributing to the crucial discussion about how forests are integral a vital support system for agriculture.
www.fao.org/newsroom/det...
www.fao.org/newsroom/det...
COP30: Forests drive agricultural success, not conflict, report shows
FAO-led report says protecting and restoring forests is crucial to boosting climate-resilient agriculture, rural livelihoods and global food and water security
www.fao.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Fantastic to see Dominick Spracklen and his team involved in this report presented at COP30 yesterday. Leeds research on tropical forests and local climate is contributing to the crucial discussion about how forests are integral a vital support system for agriculture.
www.fao.org/newsroom/det...
www.fao.org/newsroom/det...
Watch this interview with Oscar Sánchez Velázquez, a PhD researcher who is part of the University's #COP30 delegation.
Based in the University of Leeds School of Food Science and Nutrition, Oscar's area of work focuses on sustainable food systems.
youtu.be/4Kp-dWmIHps?...
Based in the University of Leeds School of Food Science and Nutrition, Oscar's area of work focuses on sustainable food systems.
youtu.be/4Kp-dWmIHps?...
Food systems and COP30 | Meet Leeds delegate Oscar Sanchez Velazquez
YouTube video by Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Watch this interview with Oscar Sánchez Velázquez, a PhD researcher who is part of the University's #COP30 delegation.
Based in the University of Leeds School of Food Science and Nutrition, Oscar's area of work focuses on sustainable food systems.
youtu.be/4Kp-dWmIHps?...
Based in the University of Leeds School of Food Science and Nutrition, Oscar's area of work focuses on sustainable food systems.
youtu.be/4Kp-dWmIHps?...
Reposted by Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
Read our new #COP30 blog by Dr Ruth Wade & Profs Guy Ziv and Pippa Chapman: 'Farming in an unpredictable climate'.
They explore the impact of climate change on UK farming and how farmers might mitigate and adapt by using regenerative agriculture practices.
Read blog: medium.com/globalfoodle...
They explore the impact of climate change on UK farming and how farmers might mitigate and adapt by using regenerative agriculture practices.
Read blog: medium.com/globalfoodle...
November 19, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Read our new #COP30 blog by Dr Ruth Wade & Profs Guy Ziv and Pippa Chapman: 'Farming in an unpredictable climate'.
They explore the impact of climate change on UK farming and how farmers might mitigate and adapt by using regenerative agriculture practices.
Read blog: medium.com/globalfoodle...
They explore the impact of climate change on UK farming and how farmers might mitigate and adapt by using regenerative agriculture practices.
Read blog: medium.com/globalfoodle...
#COP30 enters its final stretch in Belém: ministers focus on finance, fossil fuel phase-out, and real-world delivery. Key outcomes so far: clean energy investment, sustainable fuels plan, adaptation funding. Follow updates: unfccc.int/cop30/meetin... #COP30 #ClimateAction
November 20, 2025 at 10:58 AM
#COP30 enters its final stretch in Belém: ministers focus on finance, fossil fuel phase-out, and real-world delivery. Key outcomes so far: clean energy investment, sustainable fuels plan, adaptation funding. Follow updates: unfccc.int/cop30/meetin... #COP30 #ClimateAction
Our director Piers Forster has written an article for @theconversation.com on 'The fast-fix for global warming that the UN climate summit can’t ignore'.
Written at COP30, the piece exposes how attitudes toward short-lived climate pollutants need to change
theconversation.com/the-fast-fix...
Written at COP30, the piece exposes how attitudes toward short-lived climate pollutants need to change
theconversation.com/the-fast-fix...
The fast-fix for global warming that the UN climate summit can’t ignore
Removing so-called ‘short-lived climate pollutants’ from the atmosphere could reduce global warming – fast.
theconversation.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Our director Piers Forster has written an article for @theconversation.com on 'The fast-fix for global warming that the UN climate summit can’t ignore'.
Written at COP30, the piece exposes how attitudes toward short-lived climate pollutants need to change
theconversation.com/the-fast-fix...
Written at COP30, the piece exposes how attitudes toward short-lived climate pollutants need to change
theconversation.com/the-fast-fix...
Food drives climate change—and suffers from it. Nearly 1/3 of emissions come from food systems, now hit by floods, droughts & heatwaves. At #COP30, transforming them is central to climate action.
Read Dr Rosario Michel-Villarreal’s article: climate.leeds.ac.uk/why-food-lie... #FoodSystems #COP30
Read Dr Rosario Michel-Villarreal’s article: climate.leeds.ac.uk/why-food-lie... #FoodSystems #COP30
November 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Food drives climate change—and suffers from it. Nearly 1/3 of emissions come from food systems, now hit by floods, droughts & heatwaves. At #COP30, transforming them is central to climate action.
Read Dr Rosario Michel-Villarreal’s article: climate.leeds.ac.uk/why-food-lie... #FoodSystems #COP30
Read Dr Rosario Michel-Villarreal’s article: climate.leeds.ac.uk/why-food-lie... #FoodSystems #COP30
Day 10 at #COP30. Today is about food, agriculture, and equity at their roots.
Piers is speaking at a session on innovations for carbon neutrality and energy system transformation.
Matthaeus will be on a panel discussing building youth alliance across Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Piers is speaking at a session on innovations for carbon neutrality and energy system transformation.
Matthaeus will be on a panel discussing building youth alliance across Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
November 19, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Day 10 at #COP30. Today is about food, agriculture, and equity at their roots.
Piers is speaking at a session on innovations for carbon neutrality and energy system transformation.
Matthaeus will be on a panel discussing building youth alliance across Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Piers is speaking at a session on innovations for carbon neutrality and energy system transformation.
Matthaeus will be on a panel discussing building youth alliance across Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Priestley member, Prof Simon Lewis, features in The Guardian, discussing the Congo Basin and how it is one of the world’s most vital carbon sinks, but it is losing out when it comes to climate policy and funding
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#COP30 #tropicalrainforests #CongoBasin
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#COP30 #tropicalrainforests #CongoBasin
The rainforest the world forgot: the Congo basin is the second largest on Earth, so why is it being neglected?
It is one of the world’s most vital carbon sinks, but this tropical rainforest is losing out when it comes to climate policy and funding
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Priestley member, Prof Simon Lewis, features in The Guardian, discussing the Congo Basin and how it is one of the world’s most vital carbon sinks, but it is losing out when it comes to climate policy and funding
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#COP30 #tropicalrainforests #CongoBasin
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#COP30 #tropicalrainforests #CongoBasin
#COP30 Leeds delegate Isidora Xenaki discusses wildfires, their impact, and why they need to be discussed at COP30 in this article written for the Priestley Centre's website 🔥
climate.leeds.ac.uk/moving-from-...
climate.leeds.ac.uk/moving-from-...
Moving from Early Warnings to Early Actions – Wildfire Edition - Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
Isidora Xenaki, a Leeds at COP30 delegate, writes about one of the biggest threats facing Earth's forests - wildfires: As COP30 convenes near the Amazon rainforest, delegates have been engaging in dis...
climate.leeds.ac.uk
November 18, 2025 at 4:27 PM
#COP30 Leeds delegate Isidora Xenaki discusses wildfires, their impact, and why they need to be discussed at COP30 in this article written for the Priestley Centre's website 🔥
climate.leeds.ac.uk/moving-from-...
climate.leeds.ac.uk/moving-from-...
Isidora Xenaki, a visiting researching assistant at the University of Leeds, explains her interest in the impact of elevated heat and droughts on wildfire regimes.
Watch to learn about her research and why she is eager for wildfires to be part of the conversation at #COP30
youtu.be/YrBFijKmhec?...
Watch to learn about her research and why she is eager for wildfires to be part of the conversation at #COP30
youtu.be/YrBFijKmhec?...
Wildfires and COP30 | Meet Leeds delegate Isidora Xenaki
YouTube video by Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
youtu.be
November 18, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Isidora Xenaki, a visiting researching assistant at the University of Leeds, explains her interest in the impact of elevated heat and droughts on wildfire regimes.
Watch to learn about her research and why she is eager for wildfires to be part of the conversation at #COP30
youtu.be/YrBFijKmhec?...
Watch to learn about her research and why she is eager for wildfires to be part of the conversation at #COP30
youtu.be/YrBFijKmhec?...
Keep hearing about COP (Conference of the Parties) but not sure what it is? In this video, Dr Nicole Nisbett explains what COP is and why it's important ➡️ youtu.be/qVFODdvHX0E?...
#COP30 #WhatisCOP
#COP30 #WhatisCOP
What is COP?
YouTube video by Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
youtu.be
November 18, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Keep hearing about COP (Conference of the Parties) but not sure what it is? In this video, Dr Nicole Nisbett explains what COP is and why it's important ➡️ youtu.be/qVFODdvHX0E?...
#COP30 #WhatisCOP
#COP30 #WhatisCOP
Day 9 at #COP30
Today's focus continues on from yesterday, which is to elevate both planetary and community stewardship, showcasing inclusive, grounded, and nature-aligned solutions. 🌎
Check out the graphic below to see how Leeds is involved today ⬇️
Today's focus continues on from yesterday, which is to elevate both planetary and community stewardship, showcasing inclusive, grounded, and nature-aligned solutions. 🌎
Check out the graphic below to see how Leeds is involved today ⬇️
November 18, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Day 9 at #COP30
Today's focus continues on from yesterday, which is to elevate both planetary and community stewardship, showcasing inclusive, grounded, and nature-aligned solutions. 🌎
Check out the graphic below to see how Leeds is involved today ⬇️
Today's focus continues on from yesterday, which is to elevate both planetary and community stewardship, showcasing inclusive, grounded, and nature-aligned solutions. 🌎
Check out the graphic below to see how Leeds is involved today ⬇️
🌊 Day 8 of #COP30 focuses on oceans. Prof. Viktoria Spaiser explains why Earth System Tipping Points — like coral reef die-off — must be on the agenda. Watch her insights and hopes for COP30 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk0T...
#ClimateAction #GlobalTippingPoints
#ClimateAction #GlobalTippingPoints
November 17, 2025 at 1:54 PM
🌊 Day 8 of #COP30 focuses on oceans. Prof. Viktoria Spaiser explains why Earth System Tipping Points — like coral reef die-off — must be on the agenda. Watch her insights and hopes for COP30 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk0T...
#ClimateAction #GlobalTippingPoints
#ClimateAction #GlobalTippingPoints
Reposted by Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
We are delighted to announce the formation of The Ecological Law and Justice Group. The Group provides a focal point for the School's outstanding research and teaching in areas related to the environment.
For more about their ambitions, experts, and how to get involved 👇
tinyurl.com/bdhkh7av
For more about their ambitions, experts, and how to get involved 👇
tinyurl.com/bdhkh7av
November 13, 2025 at 11:32 AM
We are delighted to announce the formation of The Ecological Law and Justice Group. The Group provides a focal point for the School's outstanding research and teaching in areas related to the environment.
For more about their ambitions, experts, and how to get involved 👇
tinyurl.com/bdhkh7av
For more about their ambitions, experts, and how to get involved 👇
tinyurl.com/bdhkh7av
Day 8 of #COP30
The conference continues into week 2, with a focus on forests, oceans, biodiversity, SMEs, Indigenous peoples, local and traditional communities, children and youth - highlighting inclusive, grounded and nature-aligned climate solutions.
➡️ Stay tuned for more updates.
The conference continues into week 2, with a focus on forests, oceans, biodiversity, SMEs, Indigenous peoples, local and traditional communities, children and youth - highlighting inclusive, grounded and nature-aligned climate solutions.
➡️ Stay tuned for more updates.
November 17, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Day 8 of #COP30
The conference continues into week 2, with a focus on forests, oceans, biodiversity, SMEs, Indigenous peoples, local and traditional communities, children and youth - highlighting inclusive, grounded and nature-aligned climate solutions.
➡️ Stay tuned for more updates.
The conference continues into week 2, with a focus on forests, oceans, biodiversity, SMEs, Indigenous peoples, local and traditional communities, children and youth - highlighting inclusive, grounded and nature-aligned climate solutions.
➡️ Stay tuned for more updates.
🌍Week One at COP30: Leeds delegate Jyoti Narsude shares her reflections. There’s progress on climate finance, forests & Indigenous rights, but pledges still fall short of Paris Agreement goals. The challenge - to turn progress into real implementation. Read more ➡️ climate.leeds.ac.uk/cop30-first-...
COP30: First Week Overview and Key Takeaways - Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
Leeds COP30 Delegate, Jyoti Narsude from the School of Geography, gives her thoughts on the first week of COP in Brazil... UNFCCC's COP30 began with hopes similar to those of previous COPs—finding eff...
climate.leeds.ac.uk
November 16, 2025 at 8:35 AM
🌍Week One at COP30: Leeds delegate Jyoti Narsude shares her reflections. There’s progress on climate finance, forests & Indigenous rights, but pledges still fall short of Paris Agreement goals. The challenge - to turn progress into real implementation. Read more ➡️ climate.leeds.ac.uk/cop30-first-...
Thanks to @susanannsamuel.bsky.social for the @cop30brazil.bsky.social photos! Susan spoke on a panel yesterday at the '𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧' event, about her experiences as the Uni of Leeds UNFCCC Taskforce student rep.
#COP30 #youthvoices
#COP30 #youthvoices
November 15, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Thanks to @susanannsamuel.bsky.social for the @cop30brazil.bsky.social photos! Susan spoke on a panel yesterday at the '𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧' event, about her experiences as the Uni of Leeds UNFCCC Taskforce student rep.
#COP30 #youthvoices
#COP30 #youthvoices
Day 5 of #COP30 🌎 Part 1
Today’s aim: Systems transformation to support the global push to triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency, and transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.
Its a busy day for our delegates, with our members involved in six sessions!
Today’s aim: Systems transformation to support the global push to triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency, and transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.
Its a busy day for our delegates, with our members involved in six sessions!
November 14, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Day 5 of #COP30 🌎 Part 1
Today’s aim: Systems transformation to support the global push to triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency, and transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.
Its a busy day for our delegates, with our members involved in six sessions!
Today’s aim: Systems transformation to support the global push to triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency, and transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.
Its a busy day for our delegates, with our members involved in six sessions!