A NUMBER of you have been asking me if I would explain what the upcoming Summit is and how it might make a difference to the threat of Climate Change.

The November 2021 event is run by the United Nations and is the 26th “Conference of the Parties” (COP) where world leaders gather to discuss global policy around climate change. Such is the severity of the threat from the heating of the planet, it has become one of the largest gatherings of leadership.

Whist the talks have taken place annually since 1995 to discuss progress, the last major COP event was in Paris in 2015 (where governments made substantial new commitments to keep global temperatures to as close to 1.5C as possible). At this years talks, for the first time since 2015, governments may decide to take further action for the climate, such is the severity of the crisis we are facing.

The COP conferences have a rotating presidency, and this year it is the UK government’s turn to host. That is why we are hearing more from Boris than usual on environmental issues! It is also why there is more attention being given to protests around the country such as the motorway sit ins by Insulate Britain.

On October 31st for two weeks thousands of delegates, charities, business leaders and the world media will descend on Glasgow in the hope that a new solution to the growing crisis can be found. The world is still committed to the 1.5C that was set in Paris-and yet with current pledges made by governments we are on track for 2.7C rise in temperature. A rise of that level would be nothing short of catastrophic and leave vast swathes of Africa, the Middle East and South America uninhabitable. Weather patterns would become unrecognisable, tens of thousands of species would die; there would be huge global water shortages and famine would impact large new areas of the globe. It is clear that more action will be needed if we are to avert the worst impacts of climate change.

So, what can we hope for from the Glasgow event? Firstly, that there is a new announcement proclaiming the immediate ending of all new coal fired power stations. Secondly the delivery of immediate funds to developing nations to help transition countries that are heavily dependent on fossil fuels to low carbon technology. Thirdly a global agreement immediately stopping all deforestation of rain forests. If we were to get just these three commitments by all nations, then we would have made a considerable step away from the cliff edge.

Achieving an end to coal, the delivery of sizeable funds and the protection of all remaining rain forest will be no easy task. There are vested interests which will be well represented in Glasgow. From energy companies worried about drop in profits, through to presidents and Prime Ministers who are simply not interested in reigning in fossil fuel use. The UK and US amongst others will need to lobby counties like Australia, Brazil and Saudi Arabia very hard if we are to achieve a truly life saving global agreement. Now is the time to pray & reflect, to peacefully protest, to write to your MP, to sign the Time is Now declaration (to Boris Johnson) demanding strong action for climate and nature.

I will be writing this column from Glasgow in November, where I will be reporting back on the decisions made. In the meantime-lets also get outside and enjoy nature; reflecting on the things we value and cherish. We all long for a future where our children and grandchildren can thrive-and what is decided in Glasgow will have a significant impact on whether the next decades are about thriving or just simply surviving.