Supporting COP26: 10 Practical Things You Can Do in the Countdown to the UN Climate Change Conference
The UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) is the world’s most important summit on climate change. This year’s conference – COP26 – will be hosted in Glasgow and has been described by climate change experts as the most significant climate event since the 2015 Paris Agreement.
In the countdown to COP26, our climate experts are planning how we can best use our position as admitted observer to amplify the voices of the communities we work with. Climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable people in the least developed countries. That’s why it’s so important to us that we join with them to call for strong and urgent action to address the needs of those struggling to adapt to climate change.
But you don’t have to be an attendee at the conference to make a difference. There are small steps we can all take to support positive outcomes at COP. From enhancing your understanding of the key issues to sharing the stories of those on the front line of climate change. Read on for 10 ideas to boost your COP-credentials in the run-up to this unprecedented event.
1. Share the voices of people on the front line of climate change
The stories and articles we share with friends and family via email or social media make a difference. If you see an interesting social media post about climate change or green solutions, share it so folks in your network see it too.
Every week, we bring you stories of people living in communities on the front line of climate change. People like Laxmi (pictured) in Nepal. Laxmi was struggling to make a living from farming because climate change has caused more frequent droughts and an influx of new pests and diseases, which were destroying her crops. We worked with Laxmi to improve her livelihood with a holistic solution that includes solar-powered irrigation and climate-hardy seeds.
Help spread the word about the impact of the climate crisis on those hardest hit by sharing stories like Laxmi’s with your network. Sharing the problems people face can help raise awareness of the issues, but also of local solutions that work, which can help these ideas spread.
2. Attend a local or virtual event in the countdown to COP26
TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. They’ve invited the brightest thinkers and doers from around the world to gather in October for The Countdown Summit – four days of inspiring talks, collaboration, connections and commitments to meaningful action for a better world.
The Countdown Summit will bring together 1,000 leaders in Edinburgh, Scotland, in October, as TED speakers share a blueprint for a beautiful net-zero future. This plan – along with inspiring stories of local action – will be amplified by hundreds of TEDx Countdown events around the world and through a special global livestream event on October 30.
You’re invited to join the Countdown conversation, help spread the word, and discuss local solutions by hosting a Countdown event in your community. You can host a watch party featuring Countdown talks, or curate a combination of Countdown talks along with your own original talks – it’s up to you.
3. Find out what your country has already committed to
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are actions that countries around the world have pledged to take to address climate change. The sum of the NDCs equal the global commitment towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, making them hugely important in the run up to COP26.
Finding out the NDCs that your country has committed to is an important first step in understanding how you can support positive COP26 outcomes and hold those in power to account for honouring their commitments. You can look up your country’s NDC on the UNFCC registry.
4. Inspire the next generation of change makers
As the impact of the climate emergency intensifies over time, it is the children and young people of today who will face the worst effects. Our free STEM, science, design and technology resources fit the UK curriculum and engage children in real world issues, including climate change. They are a fun and hands-on way to introduce kids to the climate challenges being faced by poorer communities.
Whether your children are developing a floating garden, designing an irrigation system for drought-prone farmland or reusing plastic for enterprise, we assure you they will love developing their own ingenious solution to a real world problem.
Explore our education resources
5. Encourage your employer or university to join the Race to Zero
Race To Zero is a global initiative, backed by science-based targets, to commit businesses, cities, regions, investors and universities to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest. The campaign recognises the importance of many different people and organisations working together in order to tackle climate change.
120 countries, 24 regions, 708 cities, 2,360 companies, 624 universities, and 163 investors have already joined the Race to Zero. It’s the largest ever alliance of its kind. Talk to your employer, city council or university about joining this powerful global alliance and helping to limit the worst impacts of climate change.
6. Reduce your own carbon impact by taking one simple step
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of a challenge with the magnitude of the climate emergency. As individuals, we may not know where to begin – or what changes really make a difference.
Count Us In is building the world’s largest community of people, organisations and platforms taking practical action on climate change. They’ve identified 16 Steps with experts from the UN Environment Programme based on 3 criteria: their impact on your personal carbon pollution, their power to influence leaders and their ability to involve everyone.
7. Get creative with a visual message of hope and action
Art and visual communication can change climate change — by sparking our imaginations with visions for a better future, by making complex information understandable, and by inspiring us to act today. Earlier this year, street artist Natasha Awuku (pictured) created an incredible installation to support our climate change work. It was a powerful example of how art can engage and inspire.
Creatives for Countdown is inviting creatives around the world to contribute to the climate conversation by sharing their illustrations and photography. The goal is to translate key climate issues into artwork that excites people’s imaginations and raises awareness.
8. Encourage your council to plant some trees
The UK Government-funded Local Authority Treescapes Fund is aimed at establishing more trees in riverbanks, hedgerows, parklands, urban areas, beside roads and footpaths, in copses and shelterbelts, including neglected, disused and vacant community spaces. Trees benefit ecosystems and society by absorbing carbon, supporting biodiversity and providing protection from floods.
Speak to your local authority about the Treescapes Fund. If they haven’t already applied for the grant, encourage them to do so.
Read about the Treescapes Fund
9. Switch to green energy for a quick win for the planet
The simplest and most impactful thing we can all do to reduce our carbon footprint is to review our energy use and switch to the greenest solutions. Even if you’ve already switched to electricity generated from renewable sources, it’s still worth investigating new options that are emerging for gas and even oil.
Ecotricity are offering to donate up to £60 to our work if you switch your electricity and/or gas to them. Ecotricity generates all their electricity from wind and sun parks around Britain. It’s also certified vegan. Their gas is a mix of carbon-neutralised natural gas and sustainable green gas. Instead of paying dividends they invest your bills in building new forms of green energy.
10. Keep up-to-date with the latest COP26 news
Follow our journey to COP26 and beyond on LinkedIn and Twitter. You’ll also learn more about our work around the world, helping people living on the front line of the climate crisis adapt and succeed.
Don’t forget to share our stories with your friends and family!