Everything you need to know about Cop26

The global climate conference is coming to Scotland, but what is happening and how does it impact you?

Author: Lewis MichiePublished 27th Oct 2021
Last updated 27th Oct 2021

Cop26 is coming to Glasgow, Scotland beginning on Sunday the 31st of October, but why should you care?

Leaders from around the world, such as the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the US President Joe Biden will be there to decide how to tackle the climate crisis.

It could lead to promises being made that effects our everyday lives.

For the latest news on Cop26 click here.

When and where is Cop26?

The conference itself will be held on the Scottish events campus, and within the Hydro in Glasgow. Lasting from the 31st of October to Friday the 12th of November.

But fringe events will also be held across Glasgow's city centre, with smaller ongoings anticipated in other areas of the country.

Why

Cop stands for 'Conference of the Parties' In the run up to COP26 the UK is working with every nation to reach agreement on how to tackle climate change.

The 26 is because it is the 26th edition of the conference.

World leaders will arrive in Scotland, alongside tens of thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses and citizens for twelve days of talks.

Who's coming to Cop26?

As mentioned world leaders will arrive in their hundreds, but it won't just be politicians descending on Glasgow. Members of the royal family, but not including the queen, are expected.

Plus one of the most well known climate voices in the world Greta Thunberg has confirmed she will be there.

United States President Joe Biden is expected to attend COP26


Senior Members of the Royal Family are expected to host state events for world leaders at COP26


Alok Sharma MP is the UK Minister for COP26 and is the conference president


Boris Johnson will be at COP26


Greta Thunberg


There will be some well known faces not making the trip though, including Pope Francis, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Disruption

Disruption is already being felt in Glasgow in the form of traffic closures, more on that here.

But the city is also likely to face the challenge of protesters. Climate activists have already made it know they'll target the conference to get their points across.

It's also not clear if these protests will be restricted just to Glasgow, or if groups will target other areas of Scotland - for example in the North East due to it's close ties with the oil and gas industry.

But of course there is also looming strike action for the public to worry about.

ScotRail staff represented by the RMT Union have yet to agree a pay deal with the operator, meaning they are threatening to take industrial action.

Plus cleansing workers in the city are also set to strike.

That comes as the Glasgow City Council Leader, Susan Aitken, fights off claims the city is unclean -with plenty debate over rats.

What can we do?

If you want to play your part in preventing climate change, or find out more about how our day-to-day lives are likely to change check out our podcast: So You Want To Save The Planet?

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on Forth 1. Listen on FM, via the Rayo app, on DAB or on your smart speaker.