Kew at COP30
Kew is committed to highlighting the critical role of nature in effective climate action.
Climate change is continuing to have a devastating impact on life on Earth – driving biodiversity loss, intensifying extreme weather events, and threatening the stability of communities around the world. But by working with nature, and with the people who depend on and protect it, there is a path towards a more resilient future.
As COP30 marks ten years since the Paris Agreement – and just five years until 2030, when many global climate and biodiversity targets were set for – the need for urgent, integrated action has never been greater. This pivotal conference in Belém, Brazil, will shine a spotlight on the essential role of nature and adaptation in meeting global goals, alongside discussions on climate finance commitments and emissions targets.
From halting deforestation and conserving tropical forests to strengthening the world’s capacity to restore degraded ecosystems, the importance of plants and fungi in addressing the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change is clearer than ever.
At Kew, we are showcasing how our world-leading science and partnerships are helping to build resilience - from protecting the genetic diversity of seeds at the Millennium Seed Bank to advancing restoration through our new Seed Strategy.
Representing Kew in Belém will be Professor Alexandre Antonelli, Executive Director of Science, attending from 10–14 November, and Juhie Radio, member of the Kew Youth Council, attending from 17–21 November – bringing intergenerational perspectives to the conversation on how we can work with nature to safeguard our planet’s future.
Kew events
During COP30, we’re showcasing how Kew’s science is driving solutions for a more sustainable, biodiverse future.
Banking on it: seed banking for a climate-resilient and biodiverse future
What?
As we celebrate 25 years of our Millennium Seed Bank, this event will highlight the global impact of seed banking to date, and explore the role of seed science in tackling the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
When?
Wednesday 12 November
16:00-17:30 (Belem) / 19:00-20:30 (UK)
Where?
UK Pavilion, UNFCCC Blue Zone, Belém
Who?
Representatives from RBG Kew, UK Government, CGIAR, the Crop Trust, SANBI, Australia
From Silos to Synergies: Making Integrated Climate and Nature Action a Reality
What?
Through this high-level event, the UK Biodiversity Alliance will convene representatives from the presidencies the three Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, UNCBD, UNCCD), alongside civil society, to explore concrete pathways for advancing climate and nature synergies. The event will showcase the leadership of Rio Convention presidencies – past, present and future – in championing synergies and moving from ambition to action.
When?
Tuesday 18 November
10:00-11:30 (Belém) / 13:00-14:30 (UK)
Where?
UK Pavilion, UNFCCC Blue Zone, Belém
Futureproofing: Youth, Education and Climate Action
What?
While COP30 takes place in Brazil, Kew is hosting a day of thought-provoking discussions in London, focussed on the role of youth and education in climate action. Hosted by Richard Deverell (Director of RBG Kew) and Mete Coban (Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy), this event brings together inspiring voices – especially from youth organisations, including Kew’s Youth Council – to explore how we can build a greener future. Topics will include youth leadership, intergenerational collaboration, green skills, and their critical link to long-term climate solutions.
Who?
Co-hosted by RBG Kew and London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment, Mete Coban.
Explore more
Learn more about how Kew’s science and partnerships are driving global action on climate and biodiversity - from the Millennium Seed Bank’s vital role in safeguarding plant diversity to our work on resilient forests and the Global Ethical Stocktake shaping discussions at COP30.
London Climate Action Week - pre-COP30 event at Kew
As part of London Climate Action Week, we were delighted to co-host pre-COP30 events with the Brazilian government.
Seed banking - 25 years on
Learn how we use our collections to combat biodiversity loss and climate change through scientific research while restoring habitats with our global partners.
Climate resilient trees
Join Kew experts as they travel across Sweden, Romania and Georgia to discover the trees of tomorrow that can adapt to a changing climate.
More from Kew
Crops and Global Change
Seven plants saved by the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership
5 ways Kew is protecting food from extinction
Planting for the future: How Kew is protecting its plants to 2090
