UK Prime Minister launches UN Climate Summit COP26

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched the UN Climate summit COP26 in London today.

Joined by Sir David Attenborough and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Boris Johnson launched COP26 today at an event in central London.

For the first time, the UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), which will take place in Glasgow at the Scottish Exhibition Centre (SEC) on 9 – 20 November 2020.

The climate talks will be the biggest international summit the UK has ever hosted; bringing together over 30,000 delegates including heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Hosting COP26 is an important opportunity for the UK and nations across the globe to step up in the fight against climate change. As we set out our plans to hit our ambitious 2050 net zero target across this year, so we shall urge others to join us in pledging net zero emissions.”

“There can be no greater responsibility than protecting our planet, and no mission that a Global Britain is prouder to serve. 2020 must be the year we turn the tide on global warming– it will be the year when we choose a cleaner, greener future for all.”

The Prime Minister called for international efforts to reach net zero as early as possible through investment in cleaner, greener technology, preservation of our natural habitat and measures to improve resilience to climate change impact. This includes bringing forward an end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2035.

The Government say they will continue to work with all sectors of industry to accelerate the rollout of zero emission vehicles, helping to deliver new green jobs in the UK.

Business and Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “The UK has a proud record in tackling climate change and making the most of the enormous economic potential of clean technologies. This is my number one priority, and we will raise our ambition in this year of climate action, including with new plans to decarbonise every sector, enabling a greener future for all our children.”

Just before the launch of COP26, last week, the UK Government announced that Claire O’Neill would no longer be COP26 President.

In a letter, written to the Prime Minister, Claire O’Neill stated: “We are almost out of time to win the battle against climate change and start the process of climate recovery.” O'Neill warned that the UK is not prepared for hosting the UN Summit in November, saying the promises and offers from the Prime Minister “are not close to being met.”

Photograph: COP26

 

The Sustainable Innovation Forum 2020 will return to the COP for its 11th edition, calling for Governments and Private Sector leaders to make real, tangible commitments and set ambitious targets in order to accelerate the solutions for climate action. Find out more here.