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ChemEng at COP26
Alexandra Meldrum, Vice President Learned Society
In November 2021, the world’s leaders gathered at the COP26 conference for a critical debate and to accelerate action on global climate change. Chemical engineers were there to share engineering practice contribute to the debate. It is crucial that we chemical engineers play our part to create a just and sustainable future. We can take action to mitigate and adapt to the adverse impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2020, IChemE published its climate change position statement. This recognised that chemical engineers are uniquely placed to help reverse the catastrophic impacts humans are currently imposing on the life support systems of our planet. The statement contained a number of commitments and initiatives for IChemE, and working groups are now progressing with the actions identified. You can find out more in the ‘In conversation’ video referenced below.
I am proud to be part of the chemical engineering profession and watching the short videos from some our members sharing how they are helping to contribute to the solutions for climate change has been inspiring.
Please take a moment to view the playlist on our YouTube channel.
I have been delighted with the enthusiasm and commitment shown by members of IChemE’s Special Interest Groups in the development of climate change action plans.
The Board of Trustees has identified climate change as a key area of action for IChemE. The Institution will work to support members and the profession by sharing information on new enabling technologies, such as digitalisation, and other good practice. We will support the development of innovation, ethical thinking and systems thinking through education, knowledge sharing and skills development. I would like to encourage members to engage with the work being carried out as it is vital that we chemical engineers use our specialised skills to make a difference for society.
What is IChemE doing?

IChemE attendance at COP26
Learn about the events at which IChemE spoke.

Climate Change Position Statement: A Year On
Watch this video, introduced by IChemE President, Jane Cutler, where Andrew Jamieson and Mary Stewart from the Climate Change Commitments Delivery Group discuss the progress made since the launch of the statement.

Social media campaign – "I am a chemical engineer who is working to address climate change"
Watch these short videos where IChemE members share how they are working to address the challenges of climate change. Look out for the campaign on social media and follow #ChemEngAtCOP26.

Climate change action plans
IChemE’s member communities developed climate change actions plans specifically to cover the requirements of their areas.

Blog: From COP21 to COP26
In 2015, IChemE Fellow Stefaan Simons attended COP21 in Paris. Six years later he was in Glasgow for COP26 and shared his experiences of attending the conference, explaining the progress IChemE has made with respect to climate change during that time.

Blog: Water and climate change #COP26
In this blog, IChemE Fellow Martin Currie talks about how a systems approach and collaboration beyond the water treatment community took the water climate discussion to COP26.

Climate-related webinar recordings
A compendium of freely available climate-related webinars delivered by IChemE Special Interest and Member Groups.

COP26 news from The Chemical Engineer
Catch up on news coverage from COP26.