The United Nations are heading to COP26 in Glasgow this year. 2021 will be pivotal for the climate change agenda. The decisions made will shape our future, so it’s the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about our climate.
What is COP26?
Before we dive into the importance of COP26, lets first get to grips with what it is!
COP26 is the 26th meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties, which will bring together over 190 world leaders, thousands of negotiators, delegates and citizens to discuss the climate change agenda. This year’s event is co-hosted by the UK and Italy and will take place over 12 days in Glasgow, from 31st October to 11th November 2021. It’s a forum to discuss climate change and make commitments that will help us reduce carbon emissions, both as a nation and as a planet. After being delayed a year because of the pandemic, it’s more vital than ever that we have these conversations.
What does COP26 aim to achieve?
There are four mains aims of COP26:
- Secure global net zero by 2050 and keep 1.5 degrees of warming within reach.
- Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
- Mobilise finance, both public and private, to fight climate change
- Work together to deliver
A key focus of the conference will be on reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero commitments. Countries are being tasked to come up with emissions reduction targets that will ensure they reach net zero by 2050. It’s also a chance to report back on progress made since the Paris Agreement was signed five years ago.
Why is COP26 so important?
We are at a unique point in our lifetime where the world has had to stop operating as usual. The Coronavirus pandemic has had far reaching consequences beyond human health, offering a glimpse of the environmental progress that occurs when business as usual is disrupted. We have an opportunity to ensure this progress isn’t lost as we return to a more ‘normal’ society.
It is also of vital importance as the targets agreed in the Paris Agreement haven’t come close to limiting global warming to under 1.5 degrees Celsius. The window for us to make change and prevent the worst consequences of climate change is closing. COP26 could be our last opportunity to make a difference.
How can I use COP26 to engage my people?
Important global events like COP26 are a great way to start a conversation and raise awareness of what we can all do to help reach net zero. Whilst the conference will discuss national targets and global shifts in carbon emissions, it’s our actions that will help make this change.
As part of our Jump programmes we’ll be launching an in-depth campaign to convert complicated negotiations into easily digestible content. Breaking down scientific concepts into everyday terms and long term ambitions into short term actions will be vital. We’ll also be highlighting the wider art and cultural events that will be taking place in Glasgow. It’s set to be a real festival and these elements will help to engage those beyond the ‘usual suspects’.
COP26 is just one of the campaigns and issues we cover within Jump. With new actions and activities added each month there’s lots of new challenges to keep your people engaged. If you’d like a short demo of Jump or to talk to our team about how you could launch a programme to coincide with COP26 then get in touch.
