In this series of blog posts, we are talking about the imminent 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This is more commonly known as COP26.
These conferences of the parties or “COPs” generally happen every year. COP25 should have been held in Chile in December 2019. Due to internal difficulties it remained under the Presidency of Chile but took place in Madrid. COP26 was initially scheduled for November 2020. But as we all know, some of us to our cost, the worldwide outbreak of Coronavirus began to develop in late 2019 and really took hold in February 2020. This resulted in what became known as “lockdowns” where national governments imposed strict limits on individual freedoms, with many people being restricted to their own homes for long periods of time – and which are still happening sporadically in some countries. The restrictions also extended to international travel.
In the UK, the limits on personal freedom extended to a ban on mass gatherings but also, where possible, people were encouraged to work from home. Clearly, in these circumstances, it was very difficult to plan for and arrange such a large, international event. It was eventually agreed that COP26 would be postponed until 2021.
For the UK government, the arrangements for COP26 were in some disarray even before the disruption arising from their response to the Coronavirus outbreak. Claire Perry O’Neill, the government’s initial appointment as President of the conference, was replaced by the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma.
There was criticism that the government was being slow to make the arrangements for COP26, there were questions about whether it would take place in Glasgow as planned, or whether it would be moved to London. There were also disagreements with the Scottish Government about their role.
It may be that the Coronavirus outbreak spared the government the embarrassment of either having to postpone the conference because they wouldn’t be ready for it or to go ahead under-prepared and risk a shambolic and inconclusive outcome.
Alok Sharma was initially trying to fulfil the role of President of COP26 alongside his full-time role as Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Industrial Strategy. Towards the end of 2020, he was being criticised for not spending enough time focusing on the conference. In January this year, a new Secretary of State was appointed to allow Mr Sharma to focus solely on COP26.
The postponed COP26 will take place in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November 2021. Put the dates in your diary!
However, the global pandemic continues to be an issue. Scott Morrison, the Australian Prime Minister, has indicated that he may not attend, citing travel restrictions and the need to isolate on his return to Australia. There is likely to be more political manoeuvring in the remaining days of October as different countries try to make sure the outcome is as favourable for their country as possible. Unfortunately, the most favourable outcomes for most world leaders will be to keep their contributions to the necessary changes as low as possible and consistent with continued economic growth. Most of the rest of us realise that the only realistic goal is to make absolutely sure we avoid the consequences of impending climate breakdown.