COP26 - What is it and why does it matter?
Tackling the plastic crisis is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to caring for our planet. So with COP 26 kicking off this week, we wanted to share some of our thoughts on the bigger picture and let you know a little bit more about COP and why it’s so important.
What is COP 26?
The annual Conference of Parties (COP) is a global climate summit organised by the UN, bringing together representatives from around the world to discuss the threat of climate change. This year’s COP 26 is the 26th conference and is potentially the last chance to secure the policy commitments necessary to implement the goals of the Paris Agreement reached at COP 21 in 2015. The UK government is taking on the role of presidency this year, alongside Italy, and the conference is being held in Glasgow from now until 12 November.
What did world leaders agree in Paris?
Limit global warming to 1.5 degrees c
Adapt to the impact of a changing climate
Mobilise finance to deliver these aims
Each country devised their own plans as to how they would help meet these targets, and also agreed that they would update their plans every five years (although this has already been delayed for a year due to coronavirus restrictions in place in 2020). The ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ (what each country has individually pledged) previously made are not going to deliver the global warming ceiling of 1.5 degrees, but will see the planet warming more than this. At this point, even small rises in global temperatures are going to result in loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods. So this year’s conference is a vital opportunity to change course and limit the damage before it is too late.
What are the goals for COP 26?
Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach
Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
Mobilise finance
Work together to deliver
You can read more about these on the COP 26 website. Essentially, this is our best opportunity for governments to follow through on the promise of the Paris Agreement and make concrete commitments to making it a reality.
What can we do?
COP itself is all about action and cooperation at a national and international level, but that doesn’t mean that we as individuals and communities can’t be part of the conversation, letting our governments know how important it is to all of us that meaningful commitments and action come out of of it. Plastic Free North Devon, along with other wonderful community groups, are organising an action on Sat 6 November as part of the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice, to keep up the pressure for governments to commit to the policy changes that we need, along with the finances being made available to actually deliver them. Our plan is to walk from Braunton to Saunton, drawing attention to the need for a safe, accessible footpath and cyclepath to connect us to our world class beaches, reduce pollution and improve accessibility, whilst joining our voices with the global call to action for climate justice.
Key members of the local community have been campaigning and trying to coordinate the implementation of a cycle path connecting the two for over five years now, but complications still persist. Cycling and walking (and the access they can provide to the beach and ocean) have clear and tangible benefits for our physical and mental health, along with the health of the planet; we want to take this opportunity to join the global call to action at the same time as amplifying the voice of our local community on an issue that is an achievable win for people and planet.
We are currently working with the police to determine if and how we can safely facilitate the walk, given the lack of pavements and in some places 40mph speed limit. Either way, we will be gathering at the beach below the high water mark from 1.30pm - 3pm and making our voices heard with talks, banners, beach art, and a paddle out/swim. It will be a community focused, family friendly event - bring your children, your grandma, your brother and your neighbour and show the strength of feeling in our community. We will be announcing details as soon as we’ve dotted the ‘i’s and crossed the ‘t’s, but meanwhile pop the date in your diary and maybe get started on any banners or signs you want to bring with you.
What else can we do?
We will be sharing any other local events and actions on the calendar page of our website and social media, along with petitions, so keep an eye out for updates
Share the words and stories of those on the frontline of climate change - articles and blogs by people who are already experiencing the effects first hand
Start a conversation - with your friends, your colleagues, your boss, your children, your community
Keep making small changes in our own lives - it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the enormity of what we’re facing, but reducing our own carbon footprint is something we can all achieve (check out the rest of our website for some ideas to get you started)
Divest - look into ethical banks and pension funds, make sure our money is being invested in ways that aren’t harming people and planet
Switch energy provider - choose a provider that uses and invests in green energy rather than fossil fuels
Reduce and reuse - if you’re not sure where to start, come and join us for our upcoming repair cafe and toy swap events
Buy locally and from independents - check out our shop local directory
Sign petitions and support campaigns that are actively trying to keep fossil fuels in the ground and hold large corporations to account on the pollution and ecocide that they cause around the world - these two are a good place start: #paidtopolute #stopcambo