COP26 Climate Conference – Why Does It Matter?

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COP stands for conference of the parties. While the number 26 signifies that it is the 26th conference.

Being held in Glasgow, Ireland the conference started on the 26th of October and shall conclude on the 12th of November 2021.

The last prominent conference was held in 2015 in Paris, France. This was a significant event as over 190 parties across the globe had declared to  limit global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Why is it important?

The last ten years have been the hottest recorded years. There is significant consensus amongst the scientific community that man-made activities are a crucial contributing factor leading to the increase in temperature. 

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The extra heat is causing an increase in severe weather events, ranging from hurricanes, melting of glaciers leading to rise in sea levels and change in patterns of rainfalls resulting in droughts and storms.

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What are the key aims and objectives of the meeting?

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1. Achieving Global Net Zero by 2050 and limiting temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial level

Countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century.

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To deliver targets countries will need to consider:

·  Accelerating the switch to electric vehicles

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·  Pushing for investment in renewables

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·  Focusing on speeding up the phase-out of coal

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·  Reducing deforestation

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2. Improving Cooperation of Nations to achieve above goals through

·  Speeding up action through governments working together

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·  Finalizing the Paris Rulebook (outlines how 191 countries pledge emissions reduction targets and report on their progress)

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3. Protecting natural habitats and communities

All efforts are focused on minimizing effects of inevitable climate changes.

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There is a need to create a plan of how countries can:

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·  Construct defenses, implement alert systems, and build strong infrastructure and resilient agriculture to prevent homes and livelihoods from climate disasters

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·  Build up and care for ecosystems

Some other key areas that were addressed are as follows

1. More than 100 world leaders agreed on ending de-forestation by 2030. Covering 85% of global rainforests.

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2. Coal being the largest contributor to global warming received a significant addressal. Over 40 coal producing countries pledged to move ahead from coal production.

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3. More than 100 countries pledged to cut Methane emissions by 2030. This could be an important game changer as Methane traps 28X more heat compared to Carbon     dioxide.

What can you do about it?

While at a political and policy level we see an increased concern for global warming, however there is a wide gap when it comes to concrete actions. The private sector can make a big difference by following a net zero journey and placing sustainability in the top agenda. Marketers can contribute by creating content that raises awareness and educates about the importance of sustainability and climate change.

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Please feel free to write to us at hello@allinmotion.com if you would like to partner with us to build content that will push the agenda for climate change further.