For many of us in the world of sustainability, COP26 is the shining light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s fair to say that we’re more than a little excited about it and what it could mean for climate action, and the best part? It’s being hosted right here in the UK!
The initial event was due to take place in November 2020, but because of the devastation caused by the pandemic, it was postponed to November 2021. Due to take place in Glasgow, COP or Conference of the Parties, is a meeting of the decision-making body responsible for monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This annual summit is attended by heads of state, climate experts and negotiators who all come together to agree coordinated action to tackle the climate crisis.
This year the UK is set to host the 26th edition of the conference (COP26) and will be attended by 197 countries. The first was held in Berlin in March 1995… now we think it’s pretty crazy that environmentalists have been fighting for climate action ever since! Two years after that first COP was held, countries adopted something called the Kyoto Protocol. This protocol legally bound any developed countries within the Parties to reductions in emission targets.
The next big milestone in the history of COP is one you are probably pretty familiar with, the 2015 Paris Agreement. Set out with the aim of combating the threat of the climate crisis by keeping a global temperature rise to below 2 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels within this century, and ideally for all countries to push themselves in their efforts to limit this to just 1.5 degrees.
So what’s so special about COP26? Well, not only is this taking place in Glasgow, but following the COVID pandemic, putting green business decisions front and centre has never been more important. In fact, according to nre research ⅔ of the people on our planet believe that the climate crisis is as serious as Covid-19 (Ipsos Mori). So now it’s up to governments and businesses to respond to the climate crisis with the same urgency they responded to the pandemic. A green recovery is vital.
We’re hoping that with all eyes on us, the pressure will be felt for the UK to lead the way in this fight. With Bojo already announcing his Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution towards the end of last year and setting targets to reach net zero emissions by 2050, we hope there is only more good news to come.
We chat a lot about the power of individual actions when they are multiplied and this kind of united front from countries across the world is vital if we’re going to combat climate breakdown. Let’s not beat around the bush, COP26 is being described as the most significant climate event since the 2015 Paris Agreement. With leaders from all over the world reporting back on the progress made since then, we’re hopeful we’ll see positive changes and see new ambitious plans put in place for this green recovery.
We wouldn’t miss this event for the world and you can get involved too. Find out how here.
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Written by
Enviral