CU Boulder at COP31

31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) | Antalya, Turkey
November 9 - 20, 2026

This November, the University of Colorado Boulder will bring its sustainability research, expertise and partnerships to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, joining global conversations on climate action, clean energy, biodiversity, climate communication and higher education.

CU Boulder representatives will participate in international panels, convene with university and government partners, and contribute to discussions on how to translate climate commitments into meaningful action.

From advancing climate information integrity to exploring the role of universities and subnational governments in climate implementation, CU Boulder’s engagement at COP31 reflects a commitment to connecting research, education and collaboration with solutions that make a difference around the world.

COP logo

What is COP31?

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP31, is the 31st annual meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Taking place November 9–20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, COP31 brings together governments, scientists, businesses, Indigenous Peoples, universities and civil society to advance international cooperation on climate change.

COP is where countries negotiate and strengthen collective commitments to address the climate crisis. Beyond the negotiations, the conference creates opportunities to share research, showcase solutions and build partnerships that can accelerate climate action around the world.

Why Higher Education Matters at COP

Addressing climate change requires more than policy commitments. It requires the knowledge, innovation, collaboration and leadership to turn those commitments into action. Colleges and universities play a critical role in this work.  Universities not only serve as conveners, but they also help develop climate solutions, prepare future leaders, inform public understanding and connect global ambitions with local implementation.

At COP31, higher education is an essential partner in advancing climate action: connecting scientific knowledge with practical solutions, supporting evidence-based decision-making and helping build a more sustainable and resilient future.

c4c drone footage

Where to Find Us: The Colorado Climate Consortium Exhibit

 

CU Boulder will be partnering with Colorado research institutions and organizations, including Colorado State University and Colorado College to showcase research shaping climate policy: water-food-energy resilience, snowpack-dependent rivers, wildfire & ecosystem resilience, public lands restoration, and capacity-building for adaptation. We will have an exhibit set up at COP31 where you can connect with representatives from the Consortium, learn more about our work, and find out about Colorado-focused collaborations. Hope to see you there!

flyer for COP31 event

Featured Event: Subnational Governments for Biodiversity: Protected Areas as Catalysts for the New Forest Economy

The Governors' Climate and Forests Task Force with Pronatura Sur, Re:wild, University of Colorado Boulder, University of California, Emmett Institute on Climate Change & the Environment at UCLA School of Law in partnership with Andes Amazon Fund presents an official UNFCCC Side Event around subnational climate action, the New Forest Economy, biodiversity, and long-term funding.

PANELISTS:

  • Governor Otaviano Pivetta, Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Governor Marcos Rocha, Rondônia, Brazil
  • Francisca de Lima Costa, Extraordinary Secretary of Indigenous Peoples, Acre, Brazil & GCF Task Force IPLC Global Committee Leader
  • Raul Protázio, Secretary of Environment and Sustainability. Pará, Brazil
  • Oden Ewa, Special Envoy Climate Change & Green Growth, Cross River State, Nigeria
  • Luis Briceño, Executive Director, Mancomunidad Regional Amazónica, Perú
  • Karen Ross, Secretary of Agriculture. California, United States of America
  • Gustavo Sanchez, President, Red MOCAF & GCF Task Force IPLC Global Committee Leader
  • Margarita Medina Müller, Peru Project Manager, Andes Amazon Fund
  • Maria Teresa Vargas, Executive Director, Fundacion Natura Bolivia & GCF Task Force Country Coordinator Bolivia
  • Rodrigo Medeiros, Senior Brazil Lead, Re:wild

MODERATORS:

  • Carlos Aragón, Country Director, GCF Task Force Brazil
  • Daniel Coronel, Deputy Country Director, GCF Task Force Perú

*Blue Zone credentials required.*


For more info, click here.

CU Events at COP31

Connecting Efforts, Amplifying Impact: Tackling Climate Misinformation and Disinformation

November 11 at 12:45–1:45 p.m.
Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion

An International Universities Climate Alliance organized panel examining how universities, international organizations and media representatives can work together to address climate misinformation and strengthen climate information integrity.

Speakers 

  • Max Boykoff, Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder and Faculty Executive Director, SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education 
  • Renata Negrelly Nogueira, Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change, Advisor - Secretariat of Digital Policies, Secretariat of Communication of the Presidency of the Republic of Brazil 
  • GIIICC/UNESCO Representative, TBC 
  • Joydeep Gupta, Earth Journalist Network
America Is All In pavilion launch

November 12 

We'll be partnering with Second Nature and America is All In. Join us in person or online for an exciting lineup of programming at the America Is All In Pavilion where U.S. and international leaders will come together across policy, research, academia, and the private sector to demonstrate U.S. climate progress and build partnerships.

Learn more.

Subnational Governments for Biodiversity: Protected Areas as Catalysts for the New Forest Economy

November 12

Bringing together subnational governments and partners to explore how protected areas can drive biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable economic development. The discussion will highlight innovative governance, community stewardship and the role of protected areas in fostering a New Forest Economy.

CU Speaker: Max Boykoff

From Innovation to Implementation: Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition

November 12 at 12:45–1:45 p.m. 
Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion

An International Universities Climate Alliance panel focused on accelerating the clean energy transition and moving from innovation to implementation.

CU Speaker: Beth Hartman

From Commitment to Collaborative Action: The Role of U.S. Cities, Universities, and Communities in National Climate Implementation

November 13 at 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Blue Zone Shared Higher Education Pavilion

A moderated roundtable convened by Clark University, exploring how cities, universities and communities translate national climate commitments into measurable local action. The discussion will highlight university partnerships, research, education and applied collaboration.

Moderator: Jordan O’Hare Gibson, Environmental Science & Policy Masters Student, Clark University School of Climate, Environment, and Society

  • Panelists: 
    • Janet Cowell, Mayor of Raleigh
    • Beth Hartman, Director, External Engagement for Sustainability, Outreach and Community Engagement, University of Colorado Boulder
    • Megan Houston, Director, Partnerships & Experiential Learning, Clark University School of Climate, Environment, and Society
    • Hilari Varnadore, Vice President, State and Local Government, U.S. Market Transformation & Development. U.S. Green Building Council
Monitoring Initiatives on Climate Media Coverage and Disinformation

November 13 at 1:30–3 p.m. 
Benelux Pavilion

An international discussion on climate media monitoring and efforts to address disinformation. Max Boykoff will contribute to a roundtable examining the work of the Media and Climate Change Observatory (MeCCO), its development and its impact across research, journalism and public policy.

CU Speaker: Max Boykoff

The Architecture of Ambition: Next-Generation Instruments for Climate Leadership in Higher Education

November 16 
America is All In Pavilion

A panel discussion with Second Nature exploring the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability and the Climate Action Milestones as tools for accelerating climate progress through higher education.

The conversation will examine how colleges and universities can connect research, teaching, campus operations and partnerships to advance climate action at the subnational level.

Speakers:

  • Tim Carter, President, Second Nature
  • Paola Visconti Arizpe, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact
  • Tec de Monterrey
  • Michelan Wilson, Professor at Colorado College
  • Beth Hartman, Director, External Engagement for Sustainability, Outreach and Community Engagement, University of Colorado Boulder