Why Does COP26 Matter?

With the run-up to COP26, there is a lot of talk about Climate Change and the Environment and of course, that is the whole point of this conference. COP26 is the largest diplomatic event in the UK’s history and the fact that it is focused on the environment and climate change has never been more important. However, to the general public, this just seems like a lot of road closures and inconvenience in our city.

But why does any of this even matter?

Well, COP26 brings together politicians, scientists, activists, charity workers, educators, business people, the media, and many others to speak about the climate and the impacts that humans have had on it and how we can negate the effects of climate change.

We are relying on this conference to lay out a plan of action for our planet, to stave off global warming and the harmful effects of humans, and to allow us to continue to live in a more harmonious way with our environment.

In essence, this conference is going to pave the way to a hopeful and prosperous future, away from our reliance on fossil fuels and to a greener and more sustainable future - and we all have a part to play.

What will take place?

There will be meetings, negotiations, presentations and talks about all of the issues surrounding the environment and climate change. These will allow focus on the Paris Climate Agreement which agreed to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and how governments across the world can fulfil this agreement and work towards net zero.

This will involve the following:

• Phasing out coal and oil power from society, investing in renewable energy sources, reduction of deforestation and increasing afforestation, and switching to electric vehicles.
• There will be focuses on the adaptation of communities to deal with the climate crisis, especially in the lowest income nations and marginalised nations of our planet, and protecting natural habitats like coral reefs and rainforests which play vital roles in climate balance.
• Mobilising finance across the world to invest in these ideas in 1 & 2, both public and private sectors investing in a green economy to move forward.
• To work collaboratively across governments and NGOs alike to accelerate the work we have to achieve in order to make these goals a reality.

COP26 is the opportunity of a lifetime and for many of our young people at St. Aloysius’ may shape their entire future existence. We must therefore support and promote all of the initiatives involved to allow us to have a Green Planet for our own Green Blazer community.

by Mr. R McLean – Geography Teacher & Activist

We've got lots of things planned over the next few weeks in relation to COP26. Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up to date in time for our COP26 week beginning November 8th.