We’re over halfway through COP26, so what has it achieved and what does it mean for you?

The climate crisis is the issue that will define this generation and impact all future generations on the planet. As the need for decisive and effective action becomes more pressing and public awareness grows, we wanted to focus on how COP26 is shaping the narrative.

20,000 heads of state, activists, lobbyists, protesters and diplomats have converged on Glasgow over the past fortnight. Each making their views heard on what action needs to be taken.

For businesses it’s crucial to know what can be done to enhance green credentials, adopt sustainable approaches and meet compliance. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at what the current conference is hoping to achieve.

Why is the conference relevant?

In recent years, much of the discussions around climate change have focused on the future threats it poses. However, for people in some of the world’s poorest countries, the impact of climate change is happening right now.

Currently, two million Kenyans are experiencing the affects of frequent droughts, while an estimated 500,000 Bangladeshis are forced to leave their homes every year due to rising sea levels and flooding. The climate crisis has also been directly linked to world hunger and poverty, with countries most reliant on agriculture feeling the impact of extreme temperatures, heavy precipitation and droughts. A recent analysis claimed that, without action, climate change could cause the number of chronically hungry people to reach 78 million by 2050.

What are this year’s key topics?

It’s clear that effective steps are needed sooner rather than later, and that’s exactly what COP26 hopes to achieve. This year, the conference is focussing on two key areas: climate justice and green recovery.

Climate justice aims to fairly distribute the financial support on tackling climate change across the world, particularly the Global South. 

Meanwhile, the conference has also prioritised a green recovery from COVID-19 – creating sustainable jobs and tackling the linked concerns of public health, climate change and biodiversity loss.

Why should your organisation be paying attention?

The decisions made at COP26 will impact us all – individuals and organisations alike. It’s important for businesses to pay attention to the conference in order to stay up to date with information that impacts their day-to-day running. This could take the form of new guidelines they must adhere to, or new support avenues to help them reach green targets. It could also lead to significant changes when it comes to business energy.

Sustainability is vital to today’s consumers. Going green brings benefits for all, including new business opportunities and more ethical practices. The importance of climate action in the minds of consumers means that green businesses are doing well. And, that the decisions made at COP26 will ultimately drive consumer behaviour. And energy supply is one of the key ways businesses can reduce their carbon footprint. 

Consultiv Utilities can help you achieve a greener and more cost-effective energy supply. Get in touch with our team today to speak to our consultants.