Climate Change is the greatest risk and challenge facing humankind. The unpredictable weather causes untold damage to homes and livelihoods, the air pollution affects millions and the increases in average global temperatures are having a global impact.
What is COP?
To avert this crisis, the UN has been bringing together almost every country for global climate summits - called COPs - which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’ for nearly three decades.
When is COP26 and where will it be held?
In November, the UK, together with our partner Italy, will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October – 12 November 2021. It is believed to be the world’s last best chance to get runaway climate change under control.
Why is COP26 necessary?
To understand why it’s necessary, it's best to look back to 2015, when COP21 occurred in Paris, and the Paris Agreement was established. Under the Paris Agreement, countries committed to outlining how much they would reduce their emissions - known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or ‘NDCs’. These commitments, or 'NDCs', are reviewed every five years at each COP event.
Why is COP26 so important?
COP26 will see each country update their plans for reducing emissions. COP26 is set to be a pivotal moment in reaching the targets as the COP21 commitments made in Paris did not come close to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, and the window for achieving this is closing. This decade will be crucial and so countries must commit to reducing their emissions further in the hopes of limiting global warming to the aimed 1.5 degrees.
Why is the 1.5 degrees global warming figure so crucial?
A global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius is modelled to be a tipping point for the earth's fragile ecosystem and where we would be approaching a dangerous turning point.
We are at a pivotal point for our planet and the decisions we make now will directly impact our ability to safeguard the environment for future generations. It will take decisions from governments, organisations and consumers to make the change in order to meet the commitments set in COP26 .
To get involved or read more about COP26, visit the COP26 website:
Visit the Avon Energy Partners Carbon Calculator to find out about your personal carbon footprint:
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