Here’s how to make COP26 momentous

Megan Kenyon | 1st June 2021 | Uncategorised

Westminster observers are concerned the landmark climate conference could prove little more than a showpiece. Stakeholders advised how to avoid that fate.

In a short video released on the official COP26 Instagram page, David Attenborough made his message ahead of the UN climate conference clear. “There could not be a more important moment that we should have international climate agreements,” he said . Installing Attenborough – a leading voice in tackling the climate crisis – as the “people’s advocate” ahead of COP26 is somewhat symbolic in its nod to the UK’s assumption of leadership heading into the conference. But if the conference is to have the influence many countries hope it will, symbolism won’t be enough for COP26. After being delayed from 2020 due to the pandemic, COP26 arrives at a crucial time for action on climate change. Ahead of the conference, signatories of the 2015 Paris Agreement are expected to make nationally determined contributions (NDCs) which formalise their targets to reduce emissions. In March, the UK government unveiled its own NDC, pledging that it would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 78 percent by 2035 co...

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