Our contribution to the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29)

In solidarity for a green world. Learn more about our engagement in COP29
Underwater environment beneath the ocean surface with seaweed and kelp beds
COP29 took place between 11 and 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Bringing together representatives from 198 parties across the world, to unite around tangible climate action and deliver realistic solutions, the aim to meet the Paris Agreement – to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to adapt to the existing effects of climate change.
The University's COP29 delegation focused on making meaningful connections with both industry and country representatives to drive research and innovation in critical areas supporting responsible use of the ocean: offshore renewable energy, floating offshore wind and plastic pollution.
 

Our COP29 academic delegation

Deborah Greaves Invenite
Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng

One of the country's foremost experts in offshore renewable energy, Deborah is Director of the University's COAST Laboratory, which is one of Europe's leading facilities driving innovation in wind, tidal and wave technologies.
Professor Jason Hall-Spencer
Professor Jason Hall-Spencer

With expertise in ocean acidification and the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems, Jason's research spans climate change impacts on coral reefs, fisheries, and coastal habitats and is instrumental in informing policy globally.
Iain Stewart, Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute
Professor Iain Stewart MBE

A global ambassador for the earth sciences, Iain is at the forefront of communicating planetary concerns, breaking down the barriers to public understanding of natural events like earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis, and the media responses to them.
Kevin Forshaw
Kevin Forshaw

As Director of Marine Business Development, Kevin has been working with shipping operators, shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers to build resilience against maritime cyber-attacks using world-leading thinking from the University.
 

Official exhibit

18–21 November | Exhibit Booth 31 | COP29 Blue Zone
Sharing the latest developments in climate challenges, impacts and options towards sustainable ocean development, connecting science, industry, policy and society on ocean action in the UNFCCC processes and strengthening nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
Exhibit partners: University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), International Coastal and Ocean Organization (ICO), Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean Society (POGO)
Aerial view of Sargassum seaweed in Atlantic ocean

Covering 72% of Earth's surface, the ocean regulates the climate, provides oxygen, and absorbs carbon. However, warming seas lead to more severe storms, lower oxygen levels, and increased acidity, harming marine life. The ocean also offers solutions for climate change mitigation such as offshore renewable energy and carbon sequestration.
Hear from Plymouth experts stressing the importance of evidence-based research to guide climate actions and ensure responsible use of the ocean.
 

Official side event

Hurricane Brian hits Porthcawl Colossal waves batter a lighthouse as it suffers hits twice in a week when hurricane Storm Brian lands on the Porthcawl coast of South Wales, UK.
14 November | 18:30–20:00 | Side Event Room 9 | COP29 Blue Zone
Ocean ecosystems and coastal communities are being impacted by climate change, but the ocean also offers adaptation and mitigation actions. During the event, we will show examples of adaptation, governance and finance framework opportunities, including the Global South, and collaboration and ocean integration in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Side Event partners: University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), Blue Marine Foundation, Fondation BNP Paribas, Global Ocean Trust (GOT)
COP29 side event
COP29 side event
 

Explore our research

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Global Plastics Treaty

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Energy Security

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Net Zero

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Clean Maritime

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People and Place

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Blue Carbon

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Systems thinking: the key to tackling the climate emergency

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Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy

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Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy

We're a member of the UK Universities Climate Network

We are proud to be part of the UK Universities Climate Network, a growing group of over 85 universities and research centres working together to promote a zero-carbon, resilient future. Our Network enables collaboration within the UK academic sector to advance climate action nationally and internationally.
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Strategic Research Institutes

Our diverse research spans three Strategic Institutes. Collaborative endeavour in rich, natural environments drives solutions to global challenges.

Richard Thompson Plymouth Pioneers. plastic bottle in sea

Marine Institute
Marine, maritime, education and innovation expertise integrates to train scientists, engineers, policymakers, artists, technicians and business.

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Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research
Transformations in life course, ageing, methodologies, e-health, technology and interventions in health, social care, lifestyle, health and wellbeing.

Research with the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Sustainable Earth Institute
Science, engineering, arts, humanities, health and business, with community, businesses and individuals, innovate to build resilience for our planet.