COP 26
As we all know Glasgow is currently the host of the annual Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or “COP 26”, as this past week and the next marks the 26th meeting. The climate summit sets out to reduce emissions by slowing down the use of fossil fuels and methane, reduce deforestation rates and eventually achieve global net zero emissions.
See our summary of COP 26 here.
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Whilst the celebrity - environmental activists have certainly sparked our attention, what progress has actually been made?
Here is a brief summary of a few of the pledges that world leaders have agreed on thus far:
Deforestation – More than 100 countries have pledged to put a stop deforestation, including Britain, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Russia and more… accumulating to 85% of the world’s forests. Many have agreed to do this by 2030.
Coal and fossil fuels – Over 40 countries have pledged to phase out the use of coal, many by 2030 and poorer countries by 2040.
Green technology – More than 40 countries have agreed to a UK plan known as the “Glasgow breakthroughs” which prioritises the use of green technology globally to ensure cleaner and zero-emission power, road transport, agriculture, steel and hydrogen.
Methane – The U.S and the E.U partnered to launch an initiative to cut the emissions of methane by 2030 by 30%, many world leaders have joined this initiative and pledged to cut the greenhouse gas to prevent the warming of the planet.
It must not be overlooked the trouble this will likely cause those whose livelihoods depend on the fossil fuel industries and forestry, however as we know it is the future of the planet and all of its inhabitants that requires urgent action. It is up to every individual to make a difference; on small scales and bigger scales… we all have responsibility, it's vital that we all do whatever we can to reduce our carbon footprints.
It is estimated that 8-10% of global carbon emissions are caused by the fashion industry, so shopping more sustainably is one way that you can reduce your carbon footprint.
If you are looking for fashion related events to attend for the last week of COP26 here are some suggestions:
The link for the event: https://www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com/climatechamber/climate-chamber-events/2021/october/21/my-fashion-path-re-clothing-the-future-conference/
- For anyone: “Future of Fashion: An innovation conversation with Stella McCartney,” the exhibition takes place in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery Museum, it will reopen Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th.
Find out more about the exhibition: https://fashionmagazine.com/events/stella-mccartney-cop26-exhibit/
BAYNES, M. 2021. COP26: Keep track of the key points from Glasgow's climate summit so far. Sky News. [online]. Available from: https://news.sky.com/story/cop26-keep-track-of-everything-thats-been-agreed-at-the-climate-summit-so-far-12457842
HARVEY, F., MORTON, A. and WATTS, J. 2021. Cop26 emission pledges may limit global heating to below 2C. The Guardian. [online]. Available from:
HIRSCHFELD, J. 2020. Can fashion ever be sustainable? BBC News. [online]. Available from: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200310-sustainable-fashion-how-to-buy-clothes-good-for-the-climate
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/03/cop26-emission-pledges-could-limit-global-heating-to-below-2c-india