The climate emergency is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As global leaders gather at COP31 to shape the future of climate action, Loughborough University will be among the institutions helping to inform the conversation.

The University's world-leading research in climate, environment and sustainability will feature in a series of events throughout the summit, demonstrating how academic expertise can support evidence-based solutions to global challenges. 

Hosted in Antalya, Türkiye, COP31 will bring together senior political leaders, policymakers, businesses and researchers from around the world. Alongside high-profile attendees, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Loughborough representatives will be contributing expertise to key discussions and showcasing Loughborough's role in shaping evidence-led approaches to climate action and sustainable development. 

STEER at COP31

The Centre for Sustainable Transitions: Energy, Environment, Resilience (STEER) was launched at COP26, bringing together two multi-million-pound international research initiatives – Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) and Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) – to support low carbon development and investment in green infrastructure in developing countries.

The Centre for Sustainable Transitions: Energy, Environment and Resilience

STEER is committed to accelerating the transition to inclusive, sustainable and resilient energy systems through innovative research, analysis and capacity building.

Modern Energy Cooking Services

MECS is working to accelerate the transition from polluting cooking methods, such as wood, charcoal and kerosene, to cleaner, modern energy-based cooking solutions in low and middle-income countries.

Climate Compatible Growth

CCG is helping governments in low and middle-income countries develop energy and transport systems that support economic growth while also meeting climate goals.

Loughborough’s COP31 sessions and activities

From Access to Outcomes: What the eCooking Transition Means for the Post-2030 Development Agenda and Next-Generation Energy Access 

A discussion on clean cooking ambition after 2030, and how national eCooking strategies can shape the next phase of universal energy access. 

  • SDG Pavilion, Blue Zone, Co-organised by GeCCo and UNDP 

From Data to Deal: Turning Transport Climate Ambition into Investment in Asia and the Pacific

Sharing the latest progress and thinking from Data-to-Deal pilots in Tajikistan and Papua New Guinea, presented by government representatives.  

  • Transport Pavilion (Blue Zone). Hosted by CCG and Asian Development Bank.

From Data to Delivery: Strengthening Country Capacity for Climate Implementation

Two focused panels will connect country experiences with practical approaches to capacity development and implementation. The first will bring together country representatives, including Türkiye, to share lessons on national climate analytics, institutional capacity and the integration of analytical outputs into policy and implementation planning.

The second will welcome technical and capacity-building partners, plus relevant international and research institutions, to explore opportunities for strengthening national analytical capabilities and supporting country-driven implementation.

  • Youth Pavilion (Blue Zone). Hosted by CCG and the COP31 Presidency.

Enabling Access to High Quality, Efficient eCooking Appliances for Emerging Economies 

Bringing together Turkish appliance manufacturers, standards bodies, financiers and distributors with Global South governments to discuss scaling access to high-quality, efficient electric cooking appliances.

  • Standards Pavilion, Blue Zone. Co-organised by MECS, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Kenya Students in Diaspora Foundation (KESID)

Round Table Session on Supporting Independent Climate Research in Universities Across the Global South: Towards a Catalyst Facility 

This closed round table will focus on discussing the development and refinement of the concept for a new ‘catalyst facility’ supporting the development of centres of excellence for research and teaching on climate and energy transition at universities in the Global South.

  • GAUC Pavilion (Blue Zone). Hosted by Imperial College London

Climate, Land, Energy and Water Systems: An Integrated Approach to Advancing the SDGs 

A 60-minutes panel discussion including a Q&A session to introduce Climate, Land, Energy and Water Systems (CLEWs) as a tool. 

  • SDG Pavilion (Blue Zone). Hosted by CCG and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 

Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) – Beyond Commitments: Delivering Climate Action at Scale 

Attendee/observer by Presidential invitation only.

  • Special Event Room 2. Hosted by the COP Presidency.

Planning That Lasts: Country-Led Energy Pathways for Climate Action and Investment 

This moderated panel will explore how country-led long-term energy planning can provide a stronger foundation for climate action, implementation and investment. 

  • Swedish Pavilion (Blue Zone). Hosted by CCG, Business Sweden and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

Electric Cooking as a Driver of Global Electrification 

A panel on partnerships to supply efficient electric cooking appliances to Global South markets.

  • Green Zone. Led by MECS, the Kenya Students in Diaspora Foundation (KESID) and Turkish appliance manufacturer Kumtel.

Our climate-related news

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    Research spotlights

    Our researchers are developing new technologies, influencing decision-making and effecting change to global policies that will support our move towards a Net Zero future.

    We're accelerating the path to net zero with digital decarbonisation

    We're helping organisations reduce the environmental impact of their digital systems, raising awareness of data's carbon footprint and guiding stakeholders to take measurable steps on their decarbonisation journey.

    We're farming the unfarmable

    By bringing clean energy to rural communities through solar microgrids and agile tractors, Loughborough and Aftrak have developed a pioneering initiative that helps farmers across the world increase yields and incomes.

    We're protecting the environment and livelihoods

    Loughborough works with coastal communities to tackle ocean pollution, combining research with local knowledge to create solutions that protect both the environment and livelihoods.