COP26 The urgency to take action to tackle the climate crisis is very much at the forefront of everyone’s minds. November sees what has been described as 'the most important conference on climate change ever', COP26. So why is this one in particular so important? With less than a decade to go to keep global heating under the 1.5 degrees agreed in the Paris conference, action needs to be taken now. What is COP 26? COP stands for Conference of Parties. The conference will allow the attendees to agree and negotiate plans for tackling the climate emergency. The next COP will be the 26th meeting of this group, countries that have signed up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)–a treaty agreed in 1994. This year, the President Country of COP is the UK. It is happening in Glasgow between the 31st of October and the 12th of November 2021 and represents a pivotal moment in our global challenge to tackle the climate crisis. The four main goals of COP26 are: • To secure global net zero by the mid-century and keep 1.5C within reach - Countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious targets to stop global warming • Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats - Countries are asked to put in place plans to protect our natural environment and support communities that are being affected by climate change • Mobilise finance - To realise these goals developed countries must promise to raise at least $100bn in climate finance per year 20
• Work together to deliver Countries will be asked to ensure there are structures in place for global cooperation What impact can you have? With COP26 happening in the UK, now is a great time to get involved. We know what needs to be done, and we have the tools to do it, right now, to make a big enough difference. Exciting technological developments may follow, but changes need to happen here, today and tomorrow. So, what can we do that relates to the UN Conference? We can all make changes such as better insulating our homes, walking short journeys rather than using our cars; flying less; reducing food waste. But we need our Government and Councils to make changes too, to support us to do all that we can. Having the UN Conference on our island is the perfect time to use our voices to demand that the government puts its money where its mouth is. Better public transport, that’s cheaper, more frequent and goes to the right destinations is something we can all ask for. Grants to help change from fossil fuels heating our homes to electricity (from green sources) are available–can they be more accessible? Creating solar farms on poor quality land in our area where we have a high solar index is something we can agree to and support. • Talk to your family and friends The Dever–November 2021
