York researchers contribute to latest COP26 Universities Network Briefing

Professor Rob Marchant from our Department of Environment and Geography and Dr Jessica Omukuti from our Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, are co-authors on a report that shows climate change is impacting societies and economies worldwide in many ways and on a range of scales. While the methods used to adjust to climate change (adaptation) or reduce its severity (mitigation) benefit some, they can be detrimental to others.

The briefing document, one of a series from the COP26 Universities Network, recommends a ‘triple win’ approach. This approach helps decision-makers identify the right balance and trade-offs between adaptation, mitigation and development to maximise the environmental, social and economic impacts of interventions on a range of scales.

Professor Marchant, explains: "The ‘triple win’ concept would be useful, for example, when communities consider building a coastal wall to adapt to sea-level rise. While this protects communities, its carbon footprint, and potential economic impact, should be considered. 

"Taking the ‘triple win’ approach into consideration, planting mangroves may be a better option as they not only protect communities, but also mitigate climate change by reducing the carbon footprint through capturing carbon, and offer local development opportunities from enhancing recreation and fisheries."

Ahead of the United Nations COP26 Climate Change Summit in November, the document also outlines how the ‘triple win’ approach can support the objectives of COP26.

The briefing brings together diverse expertise from six authors across three UK Universities and runs alongside another Network briefing co-authored by Professor Rob Marchant on nature-based solutions.