In November, Glasgow will be hosting COP26 (the 26th Conference of the Parties) which will bring together world leaders to tackle climate change.
Countdown to COP26: Sunday 31 October to Friday 12 November 2021
COP26 presents an opportunity for the world to take immediate action to end the fossil fuel era and start regenerating our natural ecosystems. Climate change is a clear and present danger to all people and our planet, and the real-world consequences of rising temperatures are already all too visible.
The timing of this global event is crucial after the recently published IPCC report in which scientists warned that humans had caused an unprecedented and irreversible change to our climate. But, there is hope if we all act now to drastically reduce carbon emissions causing global warming.
COP26 is the most prominent summit the UK has ever hosted and is the most significant since COP21, the 2015 United Nations climate conference which resulted in the Paris Agreement. However, the commitments laid out in Paris did not come close to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, and the window for achieving this is closing fast.
What does the UK want to achieve at COP26?
The UK aims to secure a global plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. It could be the moment we turn climate change around.
To keep alive the hope of limiting global warming to well below 2, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, COP26 must be decisive.
Climate change is a clear and present danger to all people and our planet, and the consequences of rising temperatures are already all too visible. But, there is hope if we all act now to drastically reduce carbon emissions causing enhanced global warming.
What is Horsham District Council doing about climate change?
We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and creating a cared-for environment in Horsham District. Our targets are:
- By 2030: An aspiration to make our direct emissions carbon-neutral. Visit our website to see how our service areas are prioritising the environment in their work.
- By 2050: Make our indirect emissions carbon-neutral.
How you can get involved?
There is so much we can all do to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Over the coming weeks, months, and years we will be sharing many ways in which we can all play a part in this. For now, you can show your support for the COP26 conference in the following ways:
- Spread the word: talk to your network and friends and start a conversation around climate change and the environmental impact of your daily life at home and when working.
- Get involved: look into #TogetherforourPlanet and #OneStepGreener – the COP26 campaign to find new climate ambassadors.
- Share your experiences: talk publicly about what you, WSCC, or a #OneStepGreener climate leader or ambassador you admire is doing to tackle climate change.
- Make your action count: inspire others to do their bit by sharing what you are doing using #OneStepGreener on your social media.
- Updates will follow shortly on the Defra biodiversity campaign, #PlantForOurPlanet. This aims to inspire the nation to take part by planting flowers and trees to restore natural habitats.
Find out more in our NEW Climate Action web pages
Visit our newly designed Climate and Environment web pages to find details of our three key project areas dedicated to tackling climate change as well as updates on our progress, community news, top tips and more!