COP26 climate summit in Glasgow postponed due to coronavirus

A major UN climate change summit, which was set to take place in Glasgow later this year, has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The COP26 event was scheduled was set to take place at Glasgow's SEC from the 9th to the 20th of November.

However, the UN’s climate body, the UNFCC, has confirmed the meeting will be pushed back until 2021 due to the ongoing crisis.

It will still be held in Glasgow next year – with full details still to be confirmed.

UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “The world is currently facing an unprecedented global challenge and countries are rightly focusing their efforts on saving lives and fighting COVID-19.

“That is why we have decided to reschedule COP26.

“We will continue working tirelessly with our partners to deliver the ambition needed to tackle the climate crisis and I look forward to agreeing a new date for the conference.”

First Minister's NicolaSturgeon's tweeted it was a "disappointing decision, but absolutely the right one as we all focus on the fight against coronavirus.

"We look forward to welcoming the world to Glasgow in 2021 #COP26"

A mid-year UN climate meeting scheduled for June in Bonn, Germany, which would have laid groundwork for the November talks, has been delayed to October.

COP26 is the most important round of talks since the global Paris Agreement to tackle climate change was secured in 2015.

This year marks the date by which countries are expected to come forward with stronger emissions cuts to meet the goals of the deal.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “Postponing COP26 is the right decision in these unique and difficult circumstances.

“A huge amount of work has gone into preparing for the event in Glasgow, and that won't be wasted.

“I very much look forward to Glasgow welcoming the world for a successful Cop26 next year.”

More to follow…

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