CMU at COP27: Addressing Air Quality Standards and Emission Reductions

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) was held in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt on November 6-18 this year. With the theme “Together for Implementation,” the conference focused on cooperation for mitigation of climate change. Bringing together world leaders and prominent researchers, the conference allowed for diverse perspectives on the ways in which to implement changes and adapt to the changing environment.  CMU was represented at the conference by Energy Fellows Katie Whitefoot and Paulina Jaramillo.

Energy Fellow Kate Whitefoot hosted an event on “Clean Air as a Human Right” to focus on air quality actions for climate mitigation, adaptation and human health. Whitefoot was joined by various international leaders to discuss improvement pledges for air quality in order to create healthy urban development and prevent premature mortality. 

“Whether your priority is human health, the economy, justice or climate, clean air is a central issue and there are many ways we can reduce air pollution and many of these go hand in hand with climate mitigation,” Whitefoot explained.  

Not only did world leaders contribute to the conversation, but also the perspectives of citizens were included, rounding out the conversation to be more comprehensive. From electric vehicles to corporate investments, solutions were widespread to include benefits for the economy, health and more. Whitefoot’s event made it clear that addressing air pollution in a way that is inclusive, collaborative and comprehensive is essential to mitigating climate change effectively.  

Energy Fellow Paulina Jaramillo joined a panel focusing on emission reduction pathways in road transportation, organized by the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association. Jaramillo spoke about the results presented in the transportation chapter of the mitigation report by The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Working Group III.