2021 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 26)

Most climate experts described COP26 as the most significant climate moment since the 2015 Paris Agreement, since countries were expected to report on progress against their commitments. COP26 was the first opportunity to see if we are on track to respond to the multiple challenges presented by the climate emergency and where more efforts are required.

At COP26, Practical Action shared lessons and amplified the voices of the people we work with – those living on the frontlines of climate change. These communities understand what needs to change and what solutions work. It’s time to scale up these solutions while we still can.

Urgent action and funding are needed to protect low-income and frontline communities from climate impacts. We also need to improve livelihoods, restore nature, create jobs, and build a fair, green economy. The right support and finance has to reach those who need it most.

What did Practical Action bring to COP26?

We brought real-world experience and proven solutions. We promoted community-led, inclusive climate action, especially involving women and voices from the global south. We stood for systems change that put people at the centre.

We are a trusted partner, working with governments and communities at all levels. Our focus is on ensuring frontline communities are treated as rights-holders, not just aid recipients. At COP26 we continued to emphasise that global decisions need to lead to local actions with active community participation.

How were we involved?

At COP26, our team supported delegates from the global south, sharing our knowledge from over 50 years of working with communities.

As official UN Climate Conference observers (for the sixth year in a row), we used our platform to make sure the needs of vulnerable communities were heard in the negotiations.

We are also part of the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance (ZCRA) – a global partnership helping communities become more resilient to floods, which affect hundreds of millions every year.

Find out more about how ZCRA was involved in COP26 on our Flood Resilience Portal.

Our asks

Limit Warming to 1.5C
Deep decarbonisation is required to limit future global temperature rise to a maximum of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Each increase in temperature rise adds to the severity of climate impacts.

Scale Up Climate Finance
Climate finance needs to be increased considerably with at least 50% of public climate finance dedicated to adaptation in the form of grants. Loss and Damage must also be allocated new and additional finance.

Address Loss and Damage
Many low-income and vulnerable communities around the world are facing loss and damage from climate impacts. Climate change is disproportionately affecting those who contribute the least to the problem. This needs to be acknowledged and addressed urgently.

Drive Inclusive Action
All climate action must be grounded in a whole-of-society approach that includes women, youth, low-income and marginalised groups, and Indigenous Peoples. Only a diverse and inclusive COP that recognises these groups as rights-holders can overcome the blockages that stand in the way of progress.

Promote Solutions that Work for People and Nature
All climate action must be grounded locally. Our participatory and grounded approach provides long-term and sustainable climate solutions. Big change can, in fact, start small.

Practical Action Exhibition Stand

1st & 2nd November 2021

Practical Action is hosting an exhibition stand in the COP26 Green Zone where we will be showcasing some inspiring, innovative solutions that are already tackling climate change – including our own work supporting communities in Sudan. If you can’t make it to Glasgow in person, you can still visit the Green Zone virtually. Google’s online Digital Green Zone is showcasing stories from exhibitors via the Google Arts & Culture platform.
CAN Press Conference: Loss and Damage and the Progress of the WIM

4th November, 09:00-09:45

COP26 must deliver on Loss and Damage. Practical Action, with partners, has undertaken an independent review of the progress of the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage (WIM). This press conference will share the findings of the review, highlighting areas where progress has been made and where more work is required to ensure the global community is focussed on the priorities to address loss and damage in the most climate impacted communities.
“How to Use Renewable Energy to Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Economies that are Good for the Planet?”

8th November, 17:00-17:45

Productive uses of renewable energy in agriculture have the potential to achieve “triple wins” for rural poverty reduction, climate change adaptation and mitigation. We will address the trade-offs between achieving energy access for productive uses in agriculture through renewable energy and doing it in economically and environmentally sustainable ways. This session will bring together members from both the agriculture and energy access sector.

Speakers: Mattia Vianello (Head of Energy, Practical Action), Koen Peters (CEO, GOGLA), Maria Goss, (Agriculture Systems and Innovation Lead, Practical Action), Liva Kaugure (Natural Resource Officer, FAO), Petra Hans (Lead of Agriculture, Ikea Foundation).
“Lessons from the Frontline: How can NbS Deliver Development and Climate Benefits?”

9th November, 7:30-9:00

Organisers: IIED, Farm Africa, Farmers Seed Network China, RSPB, Practical Action

This session shares evidence on how nature-based solutions (NbS), when done well, can help address those interconnected challenges. Building on case studies from the frontline and engaging with participants, the session will highlight key ingredients for success and challenges and opportunities for NbS to deliver development and climate benefits on the ground.

Chris Henderson (Head of Agriculture, Practical Action) will be present as co-facilitator.
“Opportunities for Green and Grey Infrastructure to Increase Flood Resilience”

9th November, 14:30-16:00

Organisers: WWF, WB, IFRC, Practical Action

This session will discuss the opportunities and challenges of green infrastructure for flood resilience and how it can be combined with hybrid solutions and grey infrastructure. Practical examples and experiences from community level will be presented from organisations and participants. The potential for partnerships and collaboration on NbS for flood resilience in disaster management contexts will be explored. Speakers include WWF, Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance and World Bank.

Speakers: Colin McQuistan (Practical Action), Anita van Breda (WWF).
Climate Risk and Security Virtual Pavilion

9th November, 15:30-17:00

Organisers: UNEP, Chatham House

Dr Dharam Uprety (Practical Action) will join other experts to discuss climate risks and the world security impacts of climate change.
“How are Vulnerable Countries Responding to Loss and Damage and What Support Do They Need?”

11th November, 16:45 – 18:00

This event will provide a presentation of case studies on national preparedness for loss and damage. What are the challenges and opportunities for developing countries, local governments and communities as loss and damage impacts accelerate? This session will highlight the mechanisms required to strengthen global solidarity.

Speakers: Reinhard Mechler (IIASA), Sunil Acharya (Practical Action), Asim Saqlain (Oxfam Pakistan), Dr Yiqing Song (Nanning Green Seeds Poverty Alleviation Service Centre), Speaker (Prakriti Resources Centre), Speaker (Government of Nepal).