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Countdown to COP26

The countdown to COP26

With the United Nations heading to COP26 in Glasgow at the end of the year, 2021 will be pivotal for the net zero agenda. Decisions made this year will shape our future, so it’s the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about net zero.

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 climate change. 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 achieve net zero – both as a nation and as a global society. 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:

  1. Secure global net zero by 2050 and keep 1.5 degrees of warming within reach.
  2. Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
  3. Mobilise finance, both public and private, to fight climate change
  4. Work together to deliver

A key focus of the conference will be on reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero commitments. Nations 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 agreed five years ago.

Why is it 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. Now is an opportunity to ensure this progress isn’t lost as we return to a more ‘normal’ society.

It’s also vital as the targets agreed in Paris haven’t come close to limiting global warming to 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 emissions, it’s our actions that will make this change.

As part of the Net Zero Challenge we’ll be launching an in-depth campaign to convert COP26 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 the city. It’s set to be a festival of sustainability and these elements will help to engage those beyond the ‘usual suspects’.

COP26 is just one of the campaigns and issues we cover within the Net Zero Challenge. With new actions added each month there’s lots of new challenges to keep your people engaged. All of this is included in a single monthly fee along with lots of other great features, like our digital communication package and online events calendar. If you’d like a short demo of the Net Zero Challenge or to talk to our team about how you could launch a programme to coincide with COP26 then get in touch.