Kate Symons - 31/01/25

Scotland’s response to Biodiversity COP16 and Climate COP29

By: Dr Kate Symons. Kate is Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s Senior Research Partnership Manager.

Last year saw the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) and the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). Scotland Beyond Net Zero held an event in Edinburgh in December 2024, entitled Scotland’s Response to COP to share insights from attendees at each conference, and consider what Scotland’s response to the conferences could be. The event was structured around two panels, one each focussed on nature and climate COPs, and a discussion. The speakers included Scotland Beyond Net Zero Seed Fund awardees, and delegates to the COPs.

The event was attended by representatives from Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s 13 member universities, as well as from businesses, charities, local and national government, and agencies responsible for climate and nature.

Challenges and opportunities in research

Both panel discussions highlighted a great need for increased finance for biodiversity and climate to fill substantial finance gaps. These gaps are likely to be exacerbated by the new administration in the US. Despite this, there are causes for optimism in climate finance in particular with substantial initiatives in place.

A key theme was the role of research in developing climate finance frameworks which can support positive outcomes for nature, people and climate in Scotland.

There are also opportunities for researchers to develop robust ways to assess and communicate the co-benefits of climate and nature investment.
The conference also highlighted the need for research to help envisage positive (rather than apocalyptic) futures on climate and nature, and the key role of arts, humanities and social sciences in developing these visions.

Next steps from Scotland Beyond Net Zero

We will soon be announcing theme leads in food systems and climate finance who will help take forward some of the specific ideas raised in this session. We will be developing more opportunities to get involved with Scotland Beyond Net Zero including future events and a 2025 Seed Fund.

A full note of proceedings of the event is available here: Scotland’s Response to COP