As COP30 concluded in Belém, Brazil on Saturday, 22 November, we also closed an extraordinary chapter here in Reading with the COP Climate Action Studio in The Pearl Conference Room. For these past two weeks, this space transformed into a vibrant hub of knowledge exchange, skills building, and creative output, echoing the urgency and energy of the global climate negotiations.
What Happened in the Studio
The past two weeks were nothing short of inspiring. Students engaged deeply with evolving themes from COP30, unpacking complex issues and sharpening their ability to communicate climate science and policy. The atmosphere was electric—every day brought new ideas, lively discussions, and collaborative problem-solving.
Our participants didn’t just absorb knowledge; they created. They produced thought-provoking blogs that captured key insights from COP30 and reflected on their learning journeys. They also recorded engaging podcasts, blending analysis with creativity to amplify voices and perspectives on climate action.
Our Eyes and Ears in Belém
A special mention goes to Professor Emmanuel Essah, Head of School for the Built Environment, who tirelessly acted as our eyes and ears on the ground at COP30. From attending critical meetings to reporting back on negotiations and outcomes, Prof. Essah ensured that students in the studio stayed connected to real-time developments. His dedication made the studio’s work possible, and for that, we extend our tremendous gratitude. And our thanks to Dr Chloe Brimicombe, a COPCAS alumna who was also on the ground in Belém and took time to check in with the Studio.
Thank You to Our Academics
The success of this programme rests on the generosity and expertise of our academic community. Thank you to:
- Dr. Georgia Koromila (Study Advice Team)
- Dr. Stefania Lovo (Department of Economics)
- Prof. Cristina Cerulli (Department of Architecture)
- Prof. Bernd Vogel (Henley Business School)
- Prof. Benoit Mayer (School of Law)
- Prof. Robert Van de Noort (Vice Chancellor)
- Prof. Irina Heim (Henley Business School)
- Dr. Alex Arnall (Department of International Development)
- Dr. Manuela Gonzales-Suarez (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)
- Dr. Amelia Hood (Department of Sustainable Land Management)
- Prof. Etienne Roesch (Department of Psychology)
- Christine Wissink (WSP)
Your contributions sparked amazing discussions and provided students with strong interdisciplinary insights into what is needed to tackle the climate crisis. Without you, this programme would not have been such a success.
Behind the Scenes Support
We also thank The Pearl team for their unwavering support throughout the programme. A special shout-out to Lynn De Miranda, our Media and Engagement Officer, whose enthusiasm and artistic vision shaped the podcasts and brought creativity into every corner of the studio.
To Our Students
Finally, to the students: thank you for showing up every day with enthusiasm and a contagious thirst for knowledge. Your commitment drove the programme forward and made the studio a space of genuine collaboration and innovation.
Closing Reflections
As we reflect on COP30, a moment stands out—the People’s Plenary. The chants of Indigenous communities and the voices of fierce women from Palestine and Sudan calling for climate justice and solidarity reminded us why these negotiations matter. They pulled us back from the technicalities of policy to the harsh reality of lives and ecosystems at stake. Their voices underscore the urgency for COP30 to deliver meaningful action.
What a great experience this has been! The passion and collaboration we witnessed remind us of the power of coming together to tackle global challenges. We look forward to building on this momentum and getting together again next year for an even bigger and better COP Climate Action Studio.
Written by Konstantina Pratta, COPCAS Coordinator, The Pearl