COP26: The Climate Connection
British Council Germany is active in its commitment to foregrounding the climate emergency. In the run-up to COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, the British Council's Climate Connection is a global initiative which brings people together from around the world to share ideas and take action. Whether you are interested in having a career in a green industry; are interested in creative responses to the climate emergency; are a teacher incorporating climate topics in the classroom; or would like to deepen your knowledge about green futures, we have something for you. Browse our activity and resources related to COP26 below.
Resources for teachers
Bring climate education into the language classroom with our self-access training modules on how to develop and deliver lessons with sustainability as a focus. Connect with our ten-part podcast series to explore the relationship between the climate crisis and language education with your learners.
If you would like to keep up-to-date with what’s new for teachers on the Climate Connection programme, sign up for the Climate Action in Language Education dedicated newsletter series here.
Creative Commissions
17 creative commissions, awarded through a competitive open call process, will explore climate change through art, science and digital technology. Developed by individuals and organisations in the UK working with partners in 28 countries, the creative commissions actively involve young people and groups who are underrepresented in climate change discussions. The projects are cross-disciplinary, bringing together communities, artists, technologists, city planners, engineers, thought leaders, activists, scientists and others. Throughout the year, the selected projects will share their outcomes through a range of digital approaches – from web-based digital storytelling, digital comics, animation to virtual reality experiences. The projects will be showcased on our channels using the hashtags #TheClimateConnection, #COP26 and #TogetherForOurPlanet. Find out more here.
Global Youth Letter
Focus groups including participants from Germany are currently contributing to a global youth letter, a call-to-action by young people regarding the future of the planet. The aim is to share the letter with stakeholders and politicians at the pre-COP26 events in Milan (September 2021) and COP26 in Glasgow (November 2021). More info to follow soon.
Queen’s Lectures 2019 and 2020 on climate change action
Our series of the Queen's Lectures were founded by Queen Elizabeth II as a gift to the City of Berlin on the occasion of her state visit in 1965. Since 1997 the Queen’s Lecture takes place at the TU Berlin. Each year a renowned British scientist delivers a lecture on her or his area of expertise. The last two lectures have been given by experts in the field of climate change action.
- Corinne Le Quéré: The interactions between climate change and the carbon cycle and the future we choose (2019)
- Emily Shuckburgh: A blueprint for a green future (2020)
Green Careers
Are you keen on developing a successful career which supports the planet? Our series of webinars with UK academics, recruitment specialists and green sector professionals is tailored for future European leaders in green industries can help you find a route into the sector. Moreover, the UK offers fantastic courses for students interested in sustainability, and a UK degree could be the first step to your green career.