Postponed due to the pandemic but city will still host talks next year
Environmental groups have welcomed news that Glasgow will still host vital climate change talks after the conference was postponed for this year.
The COP26 UN summit will take place between 1 and 12 November next year although it was originally to take place in November 2020.
The conference brings nations together and unites them in committing to global goals when it comes to greenhouse gasses and pollution.
Cop26 is the most important international meeting on the climate emergency since the Paris agreement was signed in 2015. Under the landmark accord, countries must come forward every five years with revised plans on curbing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris goal of limiting global heating to no more than 2C, and preferably no more than 1.5C.
Plans submitted so far put the world on a pathway towards more than 3C of warming.
Since the pandemic took hold, greenhouse gas emissions have dropped sharply as industry and transport have been curtailed, but experts have warned that pollution will soon bounce back without climate action.
Clara Goldsmith, campaigns director of The Climate Coalition said: “Postponing COP26 was necessary due to the current health crisis. However, acting on climate change remains as urgent as ever, and we welcome the new date for these crucial talks. We need the UK as hosts to ensure the Glasgow climate summit is successful and sets us on the path to a safe climate for all.
Underpinning all of this is the imperative that global economic recovery is sustainable and doesn't prevent us from limiting warming to 1.5C.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said rich country's governments must not use the now considerable delay to avoid taking urgent action to reduce emissions at home and provide badly needed finance for climate action in developing countries.
“New, ambitious national pledges, as required under the Paris Agreement should be submitted as soon as possible this year, and must reflect countries' fair share of climate action,” she said.
, Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland added: “With a date now confirmed for COP26, it’s vital that nations get on with the task of delivering the actions needed today to help avoid the worst impacts of climate change on people and nature.
“Demonstrable climate action is critical to ensure the success of the conference. That’s why as Glasgow prepares to welcome COP26, Scotland must continue to demonstrate climate leadership by delivering a green recovery from the current health crisis that builds back a greener, healthier and fairer society for us all.”
The two conference will be held at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow.
