COP26

COP26 global climate conference: The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 1 – 12 November 2021.

Interested in knowing more about COP26? Download our COP26 Guide for Business:

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The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The UK is committed to working with all countries and joining forces with civil society, companies and people on the frontline of climate change to inspire climate action ahead of COP26.

Glasgow was chosen by the UK to host COP26 due to its experience, commitment to sustainability and world-class facilities.

What is a COP?

COP stands for “Conference of the Parties”.

COP refers to the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

At the summit, delegates including heads of state, climate experts and negotiators will come together to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change.

As well as the negotiations, there will also be space for countries, international organisations and other delegates to showcase climate action, highlight diverse climate change issues and share knowledge.

The aims of COP26

At COP26, we will demonstrate the urgency and the opportunities of the journey towards a zero carbon economy and the power of international cooperation to address the gravest challenges the world faces.

To ensure success, we need all countries to commit to reaching net zero emissions as soon as possible, and to significant further cuts by 2030.

And we must step up and help societies and economies adapt to climate change – particularly the most vulnerable.

We must finally turn the corner on polluting energy systems and seize the opportunity of rapidly falling costs of renewables and energy storage.

We must accelerate the transition to zero carbon transport, phasing out petrol and diesel engines.

To make all this possible, we must accelerate the green transformation of the financial system so all countries can drive clean and resilient investment.

We must harness the innovation and commitment of all – citizens, investors, business, countries, cities and regions – to move the global economy to net zero.

COP26 Global Climate Conference: UK Climate Leadership

The UK has a lot to be proud of in our collective work to tackle climate change.

1. We are the fastest country in the G20 to decarbonise our economy since 2000.
2. We have cut our emissions by more than 40% since 1990 – the fastest rate in the G7.
3. We are the first major economy to pass laws for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
4. We are the largest producer of offshore wind energy in the world.
5. We announced plans to double our international climate finance in 2019 to £11.6bn over the period 2021 – 2025.
6. We are working to encourage other donors to meet and move beyond the $100bn per year collective goal to mobilise support for developing countries.
7. One in five zero emission cars sold in Europe are made in the UK.
8. Our low carbon economy is predicted to grow four times faster than the rest of the economy to 2030.
9. Our 25 Year Environment Plan includes direct action to address the biggest environmental priorities of our age: air quality, nature recovery, waste and resource efficiency.
10. Our ten point plan for green industrial revolution – covering clean energy, transport, nature and innovative technologies – will create and support up to 250,000 highly-skilled green jobs in the UK.
11. Our expertise and exports are in demand across the world, with global trade in low-carbon goods and services expected to grow from £150 billion in 2015 to between £2.8-£5.1 trillion in 2050.

The UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution

On 12 December 2020, the UK communicated its new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The NDC commits the UK to reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. It also includes information on how this target was developed and is quantified, known as ‘information to facilitate clarity, transparency, and understanding’ (ICTU).

Find out more about NDCs and the role the private sector has to play in these here.