By Anna Beckmann (Lower Sixth)

Towards the end of October, world leaders gathered in Glasgow for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as COP26. At COP26, over 200 countries were represented and over 100 world leaders attended with the aim of tackling the rapidly growing climate crisis.

As COP26 came to an end last week, what have we learnt? One of the biggest pledges coming from Glasgow is the substantial cut in coal for energy uses. Coal is responsible for 40% of all CO2 emissions and while there was not a plan for cutting carbon dioxide emissions at the moment, this reduction in coal use will hopefully make a significant impact. Two of the biggest CO2 emitters, USA and China, have pledged to cooperate more over the next decade in specific areas, such as methane emissions and using clean energy instead of coal and fossil fuels. Methane emissions contribute to one third of all human-generated warming and over 100 countries have critically agreed to a scheme that will cut 30% of methane emissions by 2030.

A big advancement made in Glasgow was about our rapidly depleting trees. Over a hundred countries, who in total have about 85% of all forests in the world, have promised to stop deforestation by 2030. While pledges and promises like this have been made before and have not been kept, this specific pledge has been given more funding to try and follow through with their promises.

One of the biggest achievements was that, although most of these pledges have not been made legally and they are only self-policies, the conference agreed to meet again in Egypt next year, to follow up on all of their schemes and strategies and keep global warming on the international agenda.

Reflective quotes from Lower Sixth students:

Amy: "It was crucial that COP26 achieved global recognition to explain the true effects of climate change as it conveyed to everyone that changes need to be made, and agreements need to be formed in order to accomplish this change."

Annabelle: "COP26 is extremely significant in society today - it is extremely important that we learn about events that will greatly influence history. The environment plays a huge role in our economy and it is our duty to look after it in this way which is why these meetings are vital for its survival."

Benita: "I believe that COP26 is important because it focuses largely on protecting and restoring ecosystems, which will later prevent mass extinction."

Mckenna: "Learning about COP26 informed us on different perspectives and mindsets of world leaders; and to truly understand what is happening globally as well as how economics is part of many decisions."

Scarlet: "It was important that countries set out ambitious goals to stop their contribution the climate change and work together."

Simrit: "I believe COP26 is important as it has enforced stricter rules and policies on businesses and governments to keep them in line with our environmental targets as a society."