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COP26 - what's needed?
What is COP26?
The Conference Of Parties (COP) is where world leaders come together to talk about climate change and how to tackle it.
This year marks the 26th COP summit - hence why it is called COP26 - taking place 31st October to 12th November 2021 in the UK. This year the UK is hosting the conference and Glasgow was chosen as the host city, in part due to the city's commitment to sustainability. The spotlight is now on the UK to provide global leadership that raises ambition and turns promises into desperately needed action to tackle the inseparable nature and climate crises.
Here we look at what we're expecting during the summit, and the leadership needed to ensure that globally we tackle the nature and climate crises.
For daily COP26 updates during the conference, follow our Twitter page.
What do we want to see at COP26?
COP26 is our chance to tackle the climate and nature crises together. Climate change is already contributing to nature's decline, whilst the loss of wildlife and habitats leaves us ill-equipped to reduce emissions and adapt to change. Global leaders must take a stand and embed climate action and nature's recovery across their policies. Broadly, we need:
1. To keep 1.5C within reach
A set of national policies from all countries will be critical to protecting the UK's natural environment from irreversible and catastrophic change. You can read our Carbon Reduction Strategy to bring Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to Net Zero here.
2. Leadership
The UK must lead the way at COP26 - and demonstrate the right approach at home. The UK Government is currently not on track to adapt to climate change, or to achieve Net Zero emissions, yet the UK has to play its fair and historic share in tackling climate change that it is responsible for, and supporting developing nations cope with the effects of climate change that they have little historic responsibility for.
3. Finance
Agreement that nations will invest in high quality nature-based solutions (e.g. peatland and saltmarsh creation and restoration) that are developed in partnership with local communities to help mitigate against, and adapt to, climate change on a global scale.
What could these commitments look like at home?
So, what does this mean for the UK? All relevant national policies should be contributing to restoring nature, NOT degrading it. This means better protecting what we already have, and expanding it. Government has set a target for 30% of land in recovery for nature by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050 - in order to achieve this, here's what the Government must commit to:
- 30 by 30
Restore a minimum of 30% of UK land and sea for nature by 2030. In Warwickshire, we're working to achieve this through our Nature Recovery Fund.
- A legally binding State of Nature target to halt and reverse the decline of nature by 2030
This target in England's Environment Bill should be supported by an additional £1 billion per annum investment in nature's recovery.Read about the Environment Bill which was published last year, and view our Wilder Recovery report which calls on Government and local authorities to unlock the benefits of nature.
- Use the planning system to help address the climate crisis
Introducing a new Wildbelt designation in England would protect land in recovery for nature, and putting Nature Recovery Networks at the heart of the future planning system will address the crisis whilst providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds to access wildlife-rich places in their communities. View our report on how the planning system can help our health, nature and climate.
- UK agriculture significantly contributing to meeting the Government's targets
Government must support and incentivise sustainable land use practices through England's new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. Our Arden Farm Wildlife Network brings together like minded farmers to share best practice on how to improve their land for wildlife. Read more about the network here.
- Restore 100% of upland peat before 2050
And introduce an immediate ban on rotational burning, to give peat the best chance of surviving in hotter, drier conditions as the climate changes.
- Better management of our seas
30% of all Marine Protected Areas designated as Highly Protected Marine Areas, with fishing policies and marine spatial planning contributing to protecting and enhancing blue carbon stores.
What could these commitments look like at home?