Our thinking

Countdown to COP 26 and our 2050 deadline

12 March, 2021

The countdown for COP 26 has begun. For the first time, the UK will be hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties.

The event is due to take place in Glasgow in early November 2021 and will be focusing on five core areas: clean transport, finance, nature-based solutions, adaptation and resilience and energy transition.

In the lead up to COP 26 this week, John Kerry, Former US Secretary of State, took to the stage on BBC Newsnight to say that the UK should be applauded for our ambitious climate target, our reduction of coal use and our deployment of new carbon capture technologies.

However, he went on to say that the 20 countries (including the UK) which are responsible for 81% of all emissions now have a real responsibility to step up their ambition and progress much quicker. He explained that even if every one of those 20 countries reached their net zero emission targets before 2050, which would be an incredible feat, scientists have shown that temperatures will still rise by about 3.7 degrees, which would be catastrophic.

To understand what the real outcomes are we need from COP 26 to avoid catastrophe, we’d encourage you to join a forthcoming online discussion about this. Alison Rose, CEO of Good Business client NatWest Group, who are one of the COP26 Principal Partners, will be taking part alongside the other COP 26 Principal Partners, on the 24th of March.

There are still a few remaining places so sign up now and join us for this ‘heated’ Q&A. We’re looking forward to it.

By Gemma Coate