COP26 starts in Glasgow today [October 31] and the programme of Presidency events for the two-week long climate change summit has been released.
Prime minister Boris Johnson will host the first event of the Presidency Programme in the shape of a World Leaders’ Summit, running over November 1 and November 2. Over 120 world leaders have confirmed that they will attend, with the event aiming to bring ministers together to set out ambitious domestic carbon cutting drives.
The World Leaders’ Summit is also to act as a forum to discuss how nations can adapt to the impact of climate change and mobilise finance toward green energy, as well as encouraging all in attendance to collectively commit to the aim of limiting global temperature increases below 1.5 Celsius in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
The Presidency events will also explore how all corners of society and the global economy can contribute to climate change mitigation, with theme days mapped out all across the two weeks focusing on climate-related issues such as finance, adapting to the effects of climate change, transition to green energy, and nature and land usage.
The first of the themed days, covering how finance can be mobilised to help keep the goals of the Paris Agreement alive, will be opened by chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Other events in the programme will cover topical issues such as how countries can manage the transition from fossil fuels to green power. A science and innovation themed day will cover the international response to the recent IPCC report on climate change, while a day focused on education will see education ministers, climate change ministers and young people come together to address the role of education in raising awareness about climate change in younger generations and making them more positive about the environment.
On a themed day covering issues such as adaptation, loss and damage, world leaders will hear directly from communities directly affected by the consequences of climate change, followed by discussions on how countries can adapt to the effects which can no longer be avoided.
Alok Sharma, COP26 president designate, said: “The science is clear that we need urgent, decisive action from around the world if we are to change the course of history for the better. Our presidency themed days are aimed at ensuring COP26 is not a talking shop or a photo opportunity, but a moment for governments and all of society to move forward with practical solutions touching on all aspects of how we inhabit our precious planet.
“I am determined to ensure Glasgow is as inclusive as possible, in spite of the challenges presented by Covid-19. I hope through our diverse programme of events, as well as the efforts we have put into getting delegates to Glasgow, all participants will be able to benefit from the very best of climate leadership around the world.”
At COP26, 80 different pavilions have been erected which will hold individual events programmes hosted by different countries, civil societies and international organisations. COP26 will be the first ever COP summit to offer a shared UK pavilion, allowing other delegations to host events in it.
The individual events programme for the UK pavilion will support the key goals of the COP26 presidency while showcasing how the UK is taking a lead on climate action. It will also feature various other events covering issues such as how indigenous and local forest communities directly impacted by climate change can be better supported.
Photo by Gene Gallin on Unsplash
