Glasgow marks 100 days until COP26

With 100 days to go until COP26, politicians are being urged to give the summit their full attention. 120 world leaders will gather in Glasgow from 31st October to discuss how to tackle the global climate crisis.

It should have taken place last year but was delayed because of the pandemic.

As one of the biggest events ever held in the UK, in climate change terms, COP26 is the most significant event of its kind since COP21 in 2015 which led to the “Paris Agreement” – a legally binding international agreement that set out a global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C.

As part of its ongoing commitment to grow a cleaner, greener economy and society, Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken today announced Glasgow’s participation in the Thriving Cities Initiative (TCI) – a project with C40 Cities, a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities who are working to deliver urgent action on climate change and funded by KR Foundation, a Danish-based organisation that supports non-profit activities with positive impacts on climate and the environment.

Through the pilot, work will take place amongst communities, businesses and academic institutions to foster new policy and governance, community activity and business models to reduce overall levels of consumption and create an economy where everyone is given an opportunity to thrive without harming other people or the planet.

Regarding the announcement, Cllr Aitken said “Glasgow is committed to ensuring that our transition to a more sustainable and resilient economy will create good jobs and opportunities for Glaswegians. A Just Transition has to put citizens and communities first in our recovery efforts whilst simultaneously addressing the climate emergency.

"As the host city for COP26, we must deliver a local legacy where all Glaswegians can lead healthier, fairer and more prosperous lives without harming other people or the planet. A Just Transition is particularly pertinent in Glasgow, given the memories and legacies of our post-industrial past.

“We look forward to participating in the Thriving Cities Initiative and the support it can provide in working with local businesses, communities and academic institutions to a create greener and equitable economy and communities."

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