Civil society campaigners have welcomed the news that the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) will be held in Glasgow, if the UK/Italy joint bid is successful, and say this is an exciting opportunity for Scotland to showcase progress to date while also stepping up and demonstrate to the world that it is serious about meeting the crucial Paris Agreement commitments.
Tom Ballantine, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said:
“We are delighted that Glasgow is set to host COP26 next year if the bid is successful, and look forward to welcoming Governments, campaigners and other members of civil society to Scotland.
“COP is a rare opportunity for representatives of poorer countries most impacted by climate chaos to stand in front of and demand more from the wealthy countries with most responsibility for causing it.
“The Paris Agreement requires those wealthy countries to rapidly decarbonise their economies and provide financial support to developing countries who are already facing the life-threatening effects of climate change. COP 26 represents a landmark moment, as countries will be required to submit ambitious domestic plans to arrest climate breakdown.
“It’s been less than a year since the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned of the devastating consequences if the current levels of action are not rapidly increased. It’s welcome that the Scottish Government has declared a climate emergency, and committed to respond appropriately. In the next 12 months Scotland has a number of opportunities to implement the urgent action needed to tackle the climate emergency, which needs to be matched with strong UK action.
“With the world set to visit Scotland, we need to seize the opportunity and give ourselves something to really shout about if we host COP.”
