5 Things We Learnt from COP26
What Is It and Why Sustainable Energy Matters
COP26 has just wrapped up after two weeks of heated negotiations. A record breaking 197 members, representing their respective nations from around the world, attended COP26 held at the SEC Centre in Glasgow Scotland.
Planet-Saving Success or Climate Catastrophe?
There are mixed feelings from reporters, scientists, activists, and politicians alike. Depending on what lens you are viewing it through, the debate will continue. Most will agree that it was at least a step in the right direction, albeit a very slow, staggered stumble with time running out.
What is COP26 and What Was Its Aim?
COP stands for Conference of the Parties. The UN has been holding these conferences for the past three decades with the aim of galvanizing the world into addressing global climate change.
COP26 aimed to check-in on the previous agreed measures that were set out, mainly looking to address the pledges made in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Back in 2015 the world committed to limit global warming to no more than 2C, aiming for 1.5C. Scientists strongly encouraged that in fact 1.5C should be more than an aim, but rather the maximum.
Current global warming is at 1.1C with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reporting that global warming will reach 1.5C by the early 2030s. The UN have confirmed that if the world continues with business as usual, global warming will have reached a catastrophic 2.7C by the end of the century.
COP26 was meant to be more than a negotiation on international policy. COP26 was an urgent call to action.
Here’s 5 Things We Learnt from COP26:
- The Science Is Solid
Lawmakers and governments clearly see the connection between the use of fossil fuels, carbon emissions and global warming. The science is clear and is getting the respect and response that it deserves.
- Change Is Hard
Some want change more than others, and it’s proving harder for some nations to implement. The divide between Developed countries and poorer Developing countries has grown. However, there is a renewed effort to assist nations who are most affected by climate change.
- Coal Is Bad
The damaging use of coal was brought to the fore. This is a historical step forward in the limitation of fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the eventual wording in the Glasgow Climate Agreement was diminished from “Phase Out” to “Phase Down” the usage of coal.
- Challenge & Solutions
In a rousing speech, Sir David Attenborough encouraged, “we are already in trouble…however we understand the problem, we know how to put it in reverse.” The problems are big, however the solutions are available. If talk can be turned into action and implementation, COP26 will have succeeded in slowing global warming.
- Increased Awareness
The 1.5°C global warming target is alive, but not healthy. Yet with increased impetus and renewed urgency, COP26 has delivered on making Climate Change and Global Warming an urgent issue for policy makers and the world as a whole.
With All That in Mind, Where Does It Leave Us?
While nations and leaders are grappling with the obvious need to make massive, era-defining changes to economic and political policies, we all have a part to play in this global issue.
Trusted Energy Solutions prides itself in offering products that help you to be part of the solution without compromising on home comfort. As green energy experts, we’re looking forward to upgrading your home with sustainable heating and energy systems, from heat pumps, to solar panels that take advantage of every drop of sun.
Together we can save on your energy bill and perhaps save the planet.
