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The IAEA, as the only world forum in the nuclear field, is organizing several events at COP26 with the goal of contributing to an informed debate on the benefits of nuclear power and applications. See below for a list of IAEA-organized events, as well as events where the IAEA will be participating.
As is typical for the IAEA and other international organizations at COP26, all of the IAEA’s events taking place at COP26 have been placed in the official Blue Zone.
The climate crisis meets an energy supply crisis. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Gillian Tett, author and Financial Times US editor-at-large, discuss whether and how the world can manage to overcome both. Will evidence-based thinking or ideology decide the energy mix of the future? Is nuclear energy about to have its next renaissance? Can nuclear science help us adapt to the consequences of climate change, whether by allowing farmers to breed hardier crops or communities to manage scarce water resources? Livestream. Read more →
High level multi-stakeholder conversation on the complementary role of nuclear power and renewables in the transition towards a carbon-neutral future, and how international cooperation is needed to enable this transition to net zero, through advances in technology, but also financing mechanisms, and global policy frameworks. Followed by two panel discussions on (1) Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and other taxonomy criteria for sustainable finance, and the importance of including nuclear energy in such frameworks; and (2) the importance of new technological innovations to enable nuclear energy’s full contribution to the decarbonization of the world’s energy systems, through low carbon electricity, heat and hydrogen. Read more →
This event consists of two consecutive panel discussions. The first discussion, Nuclear Energy – Youth & Net Zero, will consider the role of youth in net zero transition, examining why Net Zero needs inclusive low carbon energy systems, and the best was to attract the young generation to nuclear science and technology. The second discussion, Nuclear Energy – Net Zero Beyond 2050, will look at nuclear fusion's role in long-term sustainable energy, and examine how international collaboration and innovation can be used to address technical and commercial challenges. The event will also discuss the role of youth in nuclear fusion research and innovation. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi will present the IAEA Net Zero Challenge Winner with a certificate during this event. Read more →
Part 1 of this event will raise awareness about the role of nuclear science and technology in climate smart agriculture (and climate adaptation overall), and provide information on the support the IAEA provides to countries in relation to climate adaptation and monitoring (capacity building, research and transfer of equipment). The event will underline the importance of partnerships to address the challenges posed by climate change in a sustainable manner. Read more →
Part 2, on Oceans and Blue Carbon, will present blue carbon, and the IAEA’s work on ocean acidification. Read more →
On the COP26 day dedicated to Science and Innovation, the IAEA and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will jointly hold an event to highlight the precision nuclear sciences offer to climate studies. The event will showcase the power of isotopes in evaluating the impact of climate change on water resources and water related infrastructures. Read more →
