COP26 is in Glasgow from 1-12 November 2021
The postponed COP26 UN climate conference will now take place in Glasgow from Monday 1st to Friday 12th November 2021. The Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) together with the UK and its Italian partners have now agreed the new dates for the COP26 UN climate conference which will be held at the SEC in Glasgow.
The agreement followed consultation with UNFCCC members, delivery partners and the international climate community. The conference was originally set to take place in November 2020, but has been postponed due to COVID-19. In the run up to November 2021, the UK as hosts will continue to work with all involved to increase climate action, build resilience and lower emissions. The new date will also allow the UK and our Italian partners to harness their incoming G7 and G20 presidencies in driving climate ambition.
Alok Sharma, COP26 President and Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said “While we rightly focus on fighting the immediate crisis of the Coronavirus, we must not lose sight of the huge challenges of climate change. With the new dates for COP26 now agreed we are working with our international partners on an ambitious roadmap for global climate action between now and November 2021. The steps we take to rebuild our economies will have a profound impact on our societies’ future sustainability, resilience and wellbeing and COP26 can be a moment where the world unites behind a clean resilient recovery.”
Sergio Costa, Italian Minister for the Environment, Land and Sea Protection, added “I am glad that consultations with Parties have made it possible to collectively and quickly agree new dates for COP26. The new dates mean the conference will be at a time when the Covid-19 tragedy will be behind us and we will be able to ensure inclusiveness, for us a fundamental prerequisite for an ambitious COP26 based on global commitment to action. Between now and November 2021 we will take advantage of every international opportunity to increase ambition and mobilization, also harnessing the G20 under the Italian Presidency and the G7 under the British Presidency.”
The UK will be assuming the COP26 Presidency, in partnership with Italy. The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, with Italy hosting a number of key preparatory events such as a Youth Event and the Pre-COP Summit. The UK-Italy partnership will focus on promoting tangible action that brings to life the transformational change required to unleash the full potential of the Paris Agreement. The UK and Italy already have a proven track-record of working together to champion the need for urgent climate action:
Phase out coal power by 2025: both countries are members of the Powering Past Coal Alliance and together committed to phase out coal power by 2025.
Both countries pledge to Net Zero Emissions by 2050: as members of the High Ambition Coalition, both have worked in partnership with progressive countries to push for ambitious outcomes.
Speed up the transition to low emission vehicles: UK and Italy have worked closely in the G7 and G20 to promote climate change, build resilience and unlock sustainable finance, including for the world’s most climate vulnerable countries; and have a unique opportunity next year when the UK and Italy hold the G7 and G20 Presidencies respectively.
The UK-Italy partnership will be encouraging the highest possible ambition through COP26. The decision on the new date comes as the UK Government announces that over 25 experts in multiple global sectors will be advising the COP26 Presidency. The Friends of COP will bring expertise from countries across six continents, including France, Barbados, Chad, Australia, India and Peru. They will advise the UK Government and inspire action from their sectors ahead of the conference. The Friends of COP include Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Climate Action, Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles and Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation.
Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, said “Our efforts to address climate change and COVID-19 are not mutually exclusive. If done right, the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis can steer us to a more inclusive and sustainable climate path. We honour those who we have lost by working with renewed commitment and continuing to demonstrate leadership and determination in addressing climate change, and building a safe, clean, just and resilient world.”
UK Year of Climate Action: in light of the current situation with Covid-19 and the postponement of COP26 to 2021, the UK Government is currently reviewing plans for the Year of Climate Action, mindful of the pressures facing businesses, communities and other organisations at this time. Tackling climate change remains a key priority together with a commitment to engaging individuals, communities and businesses to drive climate action. The Year of Climate Action aims to inspire positive action and engagement on climate change across the UK in the run up to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). This will promote working across government, and with businesses, organisations, civil society groups, creative and cultural institutions and young people to encourage action to tackle climate change. This work will include building partnerships, organising events, campaigns and activities that will have a positive impact on climate change. If you are organising an event or other activity in 2020 that is making a difference in tackling climate change in the UK, please get in touch with Year of Climate Action campaign by email at yoca@cabinetoffice.gov.uk