The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have drastically pushed us to re-think our working modes and practices, leaving almost no domain unchanged. At the same time, the latest IPCC report leaves no room for doubt about the urgent need to take action against the climate crisis. These two crises have inescapably had an impact within the academic system as well, urging the scientific community to think about the role that the academic system can play in mitigating climate change. 

ALLEA’s panel discussion ‘Climate Sustainability in the Academic System – the Why and the How’ will examine these issues following two driving questions: why is it necessary to work towards climate sustainability in the academic system, and how can this be achieved without sacrificing research excellence nor diminishing international collaboration in the process?

The virtual event will offer a preview of the report that the ALLEA Working Group Climate Sustainability in the Academic System is preparing on the topic, followed by a panel discussion. We will address the challenges as well as opportunities that lie within academia’s transition to climate sustainability while also highlighting best-practice examples with an international and interdisciplinary perspective.