After two long weeks of discussions, members of COP26 were finally able to share with us what they’d been working on: answers to how we, as a planet, can tackle the current climate crisis.
Building on conversations from six years ago, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, the new Glasgow Climate Pact addresses some of the challenges associated with 2015, with the realisation that without actionable steps, promises are pointless.
But, things agreed in the sweet honeymoon bubble of the boardroom don’t always translate well into the wider world, or indeed, for business.
That’s why we’ve put together a few of the key points from the COP26 to help you figure out exactly what you need to know.
It's getting hot in here, but let's not get above 1.5 degrees
The main goal of COP26 was to uphold the promises made in the 2015 Paris Agreement of keeping the planet’s temperature rise below 1.5 degrees. To achieve this, it was outlined that we would need to stop burning fossil fuels and cut our global emissions by 45% by 2030, and reduce them to 0% by 2050.*
There are a few changes that you could make to help reach this goal, such as switching all your cars to electric vehicles, or choosing a renewable energy supplier that harnesses solar power or wind. At Fluid, all our offices are powered by renewable energy, and we have publicly committed to being Carbon Net Zero by 2030 a whole 20 years before the 2050 target!
Trees, Trees, Trees
Did you know that forests absorb a third of all the global Co2 released every year from the burning of fossil fuels? Trees are definitely the key to keeping our temperature rise below 1.5 degrees.
Sadly, an area of forest the size of 27 football pitches is lost every minute. This means that soon, there won’t be enough trees to counteract the amounts of Co2 we’re releasing into the atmosphere. But, we’re not ready to lose hope yet! As outlined in COP26, there is now an aim of ending deforestation by 2030, which over 100 world leaders are supporting. What you can do to help is to partner with businesses that act against deforestation and invest in responsible tree planting and carbon offsetting projects.
We plant a tree for every one of your orders.
These trees are responsibly planted, with a positive human and environmental impact.
To date, alongside our #ATreeWithEveryOrder campaign we’ve invested in carbon reduction projects, these include small scale onshore wind in India, using waste biomass to produce electricity in Chile, and protecting lowland peat forest in Indonesia, which are unique habitats storing massive amounts of carbon, with stocks below ground amounting to up to 20 times the amount stored in trees and vegetation.
So far, these projects have removed over 500 tonnes of carbon, this is equivalent to the emissions of 394 long haul flights!
Team Work Makes the Dream Work
And that’s what the overarching theme of COP26 was: we need to work together to achieve results. We need to all be accountable for our ecofootprint, even if it’s larger than we want it to be. Because then we can act to reduce it, together.
The Glasgow Climate Pact calls for companies to be held to more verifiable standards. To push for more honest reporting, and less jumping on the eco-bandwagon.
We understand the importance of effective teamwork. We’re a Certified B Corporation, which means we use our business as a force for good and value our people and planet. We’re here to make a meaningful, positive environmental impact in light of the COP26. We’d like to help you do the same!
* Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/11/what-is-cop26-and-why-does-it-matter-the-complete-guide
