Why COP26 in Glasgow is so important for the future of our planet

What is COP26?

On 31 October, the COP26 summit began in Glasgow, where world leaders, negotiators, and journalists are gathering to discuss climate change. 

One of the most important discussions will revolve around how well nations have been able to meet their goals previously set under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2ºC above pre-industrial temperatures and aim for 1.5ºC above pre-industrial temperatures. 

COP Glasgow will also be crucial for evaluating nations’ past performances and setting future targets toward combatting the climate crisis.

The Climate Crisis Explained

When humans burn fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, and coal, and perform other earth-altering activities, such as cutting down trees, greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. 

These greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), stay in the atmosphere and trap heat causing the overall global temperatures to rise.

Since pre-industrial times, the atmospheric CO2 levels have increased by 50%, which has led to an increase of global average temperatures by approximately 1.2ºC

In 2015, nearly 200 global leaders agreed to aim to keep global temperatures below 1.5ºC by joining the Paris Agreement. 

Later, a report led by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by 45% by 2030 and reach close to near-zero emissions by 2050 to actually achieve their goal of limiting warming to 1.5ºC.

The reason some may refer to this as a climate emergency is because of the potential impacts climate change can have on life as we know it.

If global temperatures cannot be kept within this 1.5ºC threshold, a series of extreme weather events will occur. 

Some regions such as the UK, Europe and the Pacific Islands will be particularly vulnerable to flooding, while others like those in Africa, West Asia and Australia are likely to suffer extreme drought. 

Already, human-induced climate change has caused wildfires to occur more often, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to lose over 50% of its corals since 1995, and species to go extinct at a rate tens to hundreds of times higher than the natural average extinction rate over the past 10 million years. 

The urgency of this climate crisis is why COP Glasgow is so important.

As David Attenborough said on the COP stage: “In my lifetime, I have witnessed a terrible decline. In yours, you could and should witness a wonderful recovery. That desperate hope, ladies and gentleman, delegates, excellency, is why the world is looking to you and why you are here.”

What Is Likely To Happen

COP Glasgow will likely see a lot of discussion regarding climate justice and the inequalities brought about by climate change.

While 79% of greenhouse gas emissions in the past have been caused by developed nations such as the EU, UK, USA, Japan and Russia, developing countries are disproportionately experiencing the worst effects of climate change. 

Some of these developing nations will be asking for money and technological help from the major greenhouse gas emitting countries to assist them in adapting to the impacts of climate change and transitioning to a more environmentally friendly energy system.

There will also be a lot of talk surrounding nations’ commitments toward cutting emissions by 2030.

This will be crucial in determining how far countries are willing to go to limit global warming to 1.5ºC.

What We Have Seen So Far?

While delegates and political leaders will head the discussion in the convention centre, there is far more excitement outside of the room.

Similar to a climate expo, representatives from thousands of businesses and organisations will be congregating for exhibitions, talks, protests and more.

So far, some of the world’s leaders have given speeches to start COP26, but much of the action has occurred by brands targeting the 25,000 visitors.

One of the biggest campaigns seen throughout COP Glasgow so far is ‘Elephant in the Room’ led by The Vegetarian Butcher and plant-based meat brand Heura.

These companies have projection-mapped a 140 foot elephant running through the streets of Glasgow, most notably from George Square, an area known for its political significance. 

As the name suggests, ‘Elephant in the Room’ intends to show the hidden environmental impact meat consumption has on this planet. 

Activist and Heura co-founder Marc Coloma said: "Since we know the data proves a vegan diet to be effective in fighting climate change, it's our responsibility to act. World leaders need to prioritize protecting the planet, not the status quo, and start having real debates on a global platform about the best ways to transition the population to a more plant-based diet, if we want to reduce emissions to keep the planet below 1.5 degrees of warming." 

While recent reports suggest going vegan may be considered one of the “single biggest ways” to reduce your individual environmental impact, COP26 organisers have kept meat and dairy on the menu for delegates.

Many see this as disappointing and irresponsible for a conference aiming to create a more sustainable future.

Vegan Options in Glasgow

Luckily for everyone attending COP26, Glasgow is known as one of the UK’s most vegan-friendly cities. 

With at least 21 vegan restaurants, anyone visiting Scotland’s most populous city living a plant-based lifestyle will have more than enough options.

My personal favourite is Picnic, a cafe on Ingram Street serving everything from plant-based soups and sandwiches to cakes and smoothies. 

If you’re looking for something a bit heavier, head to vegan cafe, bar, and live music venue Stereo, serving vegan nachos, burgers, quesadillas and more.