# What to Expect from COP26: Climate Action and Global Collaboration
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Chapter 1: Introduction to COP26
The United Nations climate summit is about to commence, but what is its significance?
The United Nations (UN) hosts an ongoing event known as the Conference of the Parties (COP), and this year marks its 26th occurrence. COP26 centers around the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with representatives from nearly 200 nations who are parties to this convention attending alongside global charities and organizations. But what does COP26 truly entail?
Climate researchers have demonstrated that human activities are severely impacting our planet, primarily through rising greenhouse gas emissions that lead to increasing global temperatures. While this situation is concerning, science indicates that a slight increase in temperature may be manageable. The current imperative is to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Each nation has conducted extensive scientific analyses and evaluated engineering solutions to determine how they can contribute to mitigating the rise in global average temperatures. These nationally determined contributions will be deliberated at COP26, where world leaders will assess how each nation’s efforts fit into the larger puzzle of addressing this climate emergency. The primary goal of COP26 is to establish actionable commitments from each UN member state that will significantly influence global temperatures.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides the latest scientific and technical insights regarding climate science. In its sixth report, it states, "It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land." The widespread and rapid changes observed in various environmental systems are attributable to human activity, placing us on a perilous trajectory of warming. This conclusion is supported by a vast array of scientific evidence, which is rare in science, where findings are typically presented with caveats due to controlled experimental conditions. The evidence for climate change is abundant, sourced from tree rings, historical ice cores, and extensive modeling and monitoring. The substantial body of clear evidence supporting climate change creates a compelling case for immediate action. For decades, scientists have laid the groundwork for climate initiatives, and COP26 represents a critical moment for policymakers to act on this scientific foundation. The critical question remains: are nations uniting to propose realistic actions? By the end of the negotiations, nations that are parties to the UNFCCC will vote on the actions to be undertaken.
COP26 will not solely focus on negotiations that translate scientific evidence into actionable national policies; it will also feature a public component. Scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, negotiations will occur in one venue while another will serve as a space for public engagement. This public area may take on a festive ambiance, featuring demonstrations, talks, and booths from individuals and organizations offering solutions to the climate crisis. Portions of the event will also be broadcasted on YouTube, ensuring global participation in this pivotal occasion.
Action Right Now
The public forum at COP26 will highlight actionable initiatives, and numerous organizations are already making strides. The Institute of Civil Engineers releases a state of the nation report detailing pathways to achieving net-zero emissions, with various companies altering their business practices accordingly. Additionally, the Institute of Structural Engineers is revising its standards to ensure sustainability is integrated into all aspects of structural engineering, influencing accredited university courses to foster better practices among future generations. These professional organizations are committed to minimizing their contributions to the problem while facilitating solutions.
Beyond updates to accredited degree programs, universities are taking proactive steps as well. Educators are tasked with guiding the upcoming generation of scientists and engineers through a transforming landscape. They are investing in the future by imparting knowledge from current practitioners striving for sustainability, ensuring alignment with our environment. Reflecting on my own undergraduate experience, I recall learning about climate science. The Earth's climate undergoes natural changes due to variations in our solar orbit, leading to significant historical climate shifts. Two decades ago, uncertainty surrounded whether rising temperatures were a natural occurrence or a result of human influence. However, today, with extensive research, scientists collectively recognize that humanity can prevent a catastrophic increase in global average temperature. Universities play a critical role not only in shaping future leaders but also in supporting research focused on climate science and potential solutions. Academics from various institutions will also participate in COP26 as official observers, engaging with negotiators to evaluate the appropriateness of proposed actions.
In the UK, the Climate Change Committee serves as an independent advisory body to the government, guiding emissions targets, progress reporting, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies in anticipation of climate change scenarios predicted by scientific models.
What Will Be Negotiated?
Negotiations at COP26 extend beyond climate science. Consensus exists among nations regarding the accuracy of climate data; however, each country must determine which scientifically valid solutions are financially feasible and how these solutions will impact their economies and societies. Crafting national policies that harmonize science, society, and economics necessitates remarkable negotiation and leadership capabilities. A prime example is Christiana Figueres, who played a crucial role in securing the agreement of 196 nations at COP21 in Paris to limit global warming. Christiana excels at appealing to individual and professional aspirations, showcasing empathy, and connecting ambitions to corporate objectives. Leaders like her effectively communicate the urgency for action, as supported by scientific evidence, while illustrating the opportunities for organizations to contribute positively to society and remain financially viable. This is a compelling argument embraced by individuals worldwide: inaction equates to missed opportunities, while action presents potential for improvement. Addressing the climate emergency can yield benefits for both economies and societies. Thus, the negotiations at COP26 will center on what is possible, practical, and financially feasible for each nation.
Implementing these actions presents complexities, as they must fit into a vast jigsaw puzzle. For instance, transitioning an entire nation’s transportation system to electric vehicles involves technological innovation, substantial infrastructure changes, consumer adoption, and industry transformation. Realizing such significant changes will require immense effort, and there are currently numerous barriers to overcome.
Working Together to Change Our Future
Many individuals are already enacting change, and ongoing research holds promise for future advancements. This is an encouraging development, suggesting that scientists can explore their curiosities and eventually translate their findings into practical applications that foster positive change. Collaboration is essential, whether among physical scientists in laboratories, environmental scientists in the field, engineers constructing solutions, economists analyzing financial implications, or social scientists examining behavioral patterns. The climate crisis necessitates a collective approach, enabling diverse perspectives to converge on effective solutions. Moreover, we must communicate our efforts to encourage collaboration, regardless of discipline, while ensuring that we convey complex evidence in relatable terms. Effectively communicating findings that resonate with individuals’ values—such as their roles as parents or their passion for fast cars or gourmet food—will significantly influence our response to the climate crisis.
Changing behaviors may prove to be the most daunting aspect of climate action. For example, hotels have long displayed notes in guest rooms regarding towel washing practices. These notes suggested that reusing towels would be environmentally beneficial, but studies have shown that this approach was often ineffective. Instead, highlighting that "9 out of 10 previous guests chose to reuse their towels" proved to be a more effective motivator. Normalizing this behavior by demonstrating that others participate can significantly influence individual choices.
The hotel towel example illustrates the potential outcomes of discussions at COP26. Broadly speaking, while science and engineering play vital roles in shaping climate summits, economics, society, and politics are equally influential.
About This Conversation
This discussion was captured as part of the "Technically Speaking" podcast, a platform for exploring science and engineering topics through engaging conversations. These episodes often blend scientific facts, speculative ideas, and pop culture references. New episodes are released biweekly on platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Audible, Google, and Podbean.
Chapter 2: Insights from COP26
Describing the events and outcomes from COP26, this video delves into the discussions and agreements made during the summit.
This video outlines what must occur leading up to COP26 to ensure the Paris Agreement remains viable, providing insights into the necessary actions and commitments.