Panel Discussion: Beyond COP30: Closing the gap between talk and action
When: Monday, February 23, 2026, 6:15 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Peston Lecture Theatre or Online (Teams), Mile End Campus
As part of Climate Action Week 2026, Queen Mary University of London is hosting events that explore how climate action moves from global negotiations to cultural, research-led, and community-driven change. "Beyond COP30: Closing the gap between talk and action" brings together Queen Mary researchers and partners to reflect on COP30 outcomes and the future of climate justice.
About the event
COP30 in Belém, Brazil, delivered mixed results. While some commitments on climate finance and forests were made, no clear global deal to phase out fossil fuels and adaptation goals were watered down. The negotiations may be over, but critical conversations must go on.
What do the outcomes of COP30 mean for the future of climate justice, culture, and environmental action?
This panel event will feature first-hand insights from Queen Mary’s delegation to COP30 in Belém, Brazil:
- Dr Benjamin Neimark, Reader in Geopolitical Ecology
- Dr Fernando Barrio, Reader in Sustainable Business and Policy
- Dr Andrew Russell, Reader in Environmental Science and Policy.
- Yula Rocha, Indigenous and Climate Communications Manager at People’s Palace Projects
- Thiago Jesus, Head of Climate Action and Indigenous Exchange at People’s Palace Projects
- Moderator: Bianca Miranda, Chevening Scholar and postgraduate student at the School of Law
Together, they will explore how international climate conferences can move beyond statements to real-world change, and how students, staff and the wider public can get involved in sustainability research at Queen Mary and beyond.
The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session.