VIRTUAL: The Urgency for Action at COP-26: What will a fair deal look like?

As world leaders meet to make new commitments to prevent climate breakdowns, what should higher- and lower-income countries be asked to contribute? How can we enlist the support of poor citizens who are threatened not only by pollution and other devastating effects of this crisis, but also the economic implications of mitigation efforts? And how can an understanding of climate events of the past contribute to a fresh perspective on the present?
The 26th United Nations Climate Change conference, also known as COP-26, will take place in the city of Glasgow, Scotland from October 31 to November 12, 2021, after a year’s postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The question of how to equitably distribute the cost of reducing emissions has been a barrier to global climate action in past meetings. Low-income countries have done relatively little to cause the problem, but are the most vulnerable to the devastating consequences of climate change. Could policies that address the short-term goal of decreasing air pollution be the key to long-term climate action?
The panelists for the 9th Yale Development Dialogue reflect the view that no single discipline can solve the complex environmental challenges we face. With perspectives from economics, history, and on-the-ground activism in lower-income countries, they will discuss what leaders should consider in trying to reach a “fair deal” for the planet and its people.
Panelists:
John Haldon is emeritus Shelby Cullom Davis ‘30 Professor of European History and Professor of Byzantine History and Hellenic Studies at Princeton and the director of the Climate Change and History Research Initiative.
Sunita Narain is the Director General of the India-based research institute for the Centre for Science and Environment, Treasurer of the Society for Environmental Communications, and Editor of the fortnightly magazine, Down To Earth.
Rohini Pande is the Henry J. Heinz II Professor of Economics and Director of the Economic Growth Center at Yale.
Nicholas Ryan is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Yale. His work examines energy policy and environmental regulation in low- and middle- income countries.