COP26

Glasgow hosted the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or as it’s better known COP26, from 31 October to 12 November 2021.

COP26 is a significant event for Scotland, with around 200 world leaders gathering to accelerate plans for a safer, cleaner and more just planet. Countries are being asked to commit to further cuts to carbon emissions by 2030, and to reach net zero as soon as possible, agreeing a package that delivers the Paris Agreement and powers the UN climate process forward.

In the words of COP26 president “the science is clear. We know that human activity is changing our climate and threatening our future. To avoid the worst effects, the world needs to act. Even as we continue to deal with the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that we strive to recover cleaner, rebuild greener and restore our planet”.

The council has an important role to play in leading climate change action within South Lanarkshire and beyond. Work is ongoing to refresh the current Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy and Carbon Management Plan with both documents due to be published in 2022. Partnership working and input from everyone is going to be crucial in South Lanarkshire making a difference.

Lots of good work is taking place across South Lanarkshire and with the world’s eyes on Scotland in the lead up to and during COP26, there is an opportunity for us to showcase some of this good work. We would love to hear from local residents, community groups, businesses, organisations, and young people of South Lanarkshire with stories of how they are tackling climate change locally, or any events that they have planned for COP26.

These stories and events will be shared for all of South Lanarkshire, and the world to see. We will publicise all these events in due course but we would encourage anyone to get in touch with details of any events you have planned. Stories, events and comments are welcome at sustainability@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

For more information on how the council is playing a part in climate change action, see our list of 26 things the council is doing to help climate change as well as these plans and strategies: