“C O P” is short for Conference of the Parties and refers to the meeting of 197 members of the UN Climate Change delegation. These talks are hosted every year by a different country and bring together delegates from every national government. They are tasked with the advancement of global efforts to prevent dangerous climate change. Cop1 was held in Berlin, Germany, in 1995. This year, the 26th session of the talks is known as Cop26.
The next round of UN climate talks, or Cop26, has been billed as a test of global solidarity between the world’s rich and poor. It is the most important climate talk since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015. Delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, heads of state, diplomats, business leaders, campaigners and journalists are due to meet in person in Glasgow, UK, from 31 October to 12 November. The hosts are aiming to mobilise a step up in climate action and meet the tougher goal of the Paris Agreement: limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C.
The organisers are planning for around 20,000 people to attend Cop26 in person, despite the ongoing threat of Covid-19 infections. They insist the health and safety of participants and the host community is paramount.
While vaccines are not mandatory to attend the summit, the UK host “strongly encourages” all delegates to be vaccinated. With the UN, the UK government set up a Cop26 vaccination programme to provide jabs to delegates who aren’t able to access vaccines in their home country. A Covid-19 protocol is also being put in place for the conference with regular testing, masks and social distancing.
In the lead up to and during COP26, it’s important to be prepared and plan ahead wherever possible. Certain days during COP26 are likely to be busier than others and to keep the city safely open for business and moving the advise is to prepare for journeys in advance and be aware of unexpected disruptions.
Planned and unplanned road closures and parking restrictions are likely to be in place during COP26 , please check via the Twitter feed @GetReadyGlasgow.
The UK Government is working closely with the Glasgow City Council and other partners on plans that will keep the city running to ensure that regular services are delivered to citizens during the Conference. Updates that are consistent, accurate and coordinated will be sent out at timely intervals to residents and businesses about the impact of the Conference.
Stay safe. Stay informed.
