Thursday, 4 November. Contribution by: The Scottish Government
The outcome of this summit will shape the future of the world we live in. This must be the moment that the world moves from promises to action. Scotland’s COP26 programme is designed to support and celebrate climate action while also acting as a bridge builder – to connect those whose voices are too rarely heard, with those making the decisions.
Earlier this week we were delighted to launch our co-hosted Multilevel Action Pavilion programme and welcome participants across the Peatland, Nordic and Cryosphere Pavilions in the Blue Zone. Showcasing the best of Scotland’s innovative low carbon businesses, we were also delighted to launch Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone at the Lighthouse in Glasgow with over 60 in-person and live streamed events.
There are a huge number of activities taking place for you to get involved in whether in-person or online. Please check out our highlights for the rest of week 1.
Thursday 4 November
Unlocking private finance for the peatlands
Time: 09:30- 11:00
Peatland Pavilion: Hall 4, Pavilion 2
Key note speakers and panellists will discuss the barriers and enablers to unlocking private finance for peatlands, recognizing that to reach the 1.5 degree target, all sources of financing have to be mobilized at scale.
UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Scotland Launch
Time: 11:30 -12:30
Multilevel action pavilion
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) is establishing the UKGBC Scotland to support and drive the sustainability of Scotland’s built environment sector. Join us for this session highlighting the importance of close collaboration between government, industry and the third sector in tackling the challenge of net-zero in Scotland’s built environment.
Generation Peat: Investing in Scotland’s Future
Time: 11:30- 13:00
Peatland Pavilion: Hall 4, Pavilion 2
This event presents the advanced state of peatland restoration science and practice in Scotland, and highlights the critical contributions of landowners and private investment in scaling up restoration even further in future. High-profile speakers will ignite discussions on the practical steps towards investing in peatland as a nature-based solution to the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Putting people at the heart of international climate action- a participatory approach
Time: 15:00 – 16:30
Multilevel action pavilion
Join us at the Multilevel Action Pavilion for this session as we bring together key players in international climate justice. This panel event will showcase approaches to participatory programme design and inclusion.
Ocean Connections from the Arctic across the globe
Time: 16:00- 17:00
Nordic Pavilion
Join Marine Scotland Science for this event with the Scottish Association for Marine Science, Danish Meteorological Institute, Arctic University of Norway and University of Bergen.
Friday 5 November
We have agreed. Will you? – Citizens’ Recommendations for Fair and Effective Action on Climate Change
Time: 11:30 -13:00
Multilevel action pavilion
This event brings together assembly members from four climate assemblies, held in Glasgow, Scotland, France and globally, to share their recommendations and exchange notes. This event will put the Assembly Members centre-stage, showcasing their recommendations and providing an insight into their extraordinary journey.
Wetland conservation, restoration and management: from Scotland to the Arctic
Time: 14:00- 14:50
Nordic Pavilion: Hall 4, Pavilion 45
Policy makers and experts from Scotland and Arctic states will explore the challenges and opportunities that are emerging as we collectively seek to protect and restore these crucial ecosystems. Panellists include Scottish Environment Minister Mairi McAllan and representatives from the Finnish Government, Nature Scot and Arctic Council.
Saturday 6 November
Franco-Scottish collaboration on Biodiversity: Launch of the OECD report
Time: 11:30- 13:00
Multilevel action pavilion
Join us for the official launch of the OECD report on subnational approaches to biodiversity policy.
Hearing the voice of subnational governments: learning from the Edinburgh Declaration for biodiversity
Time: 13:00- 15:00
Multilevel action pavilion
The Edinburgh Declaration on biodiversity is a key milestone in the formal recognition of contributions by subnational governments (including cities and local authorities) to the achievement of global biodiversity goals and targets. Join us for this event where our panellists will answer some of the difficult questions on replicating this success story in the UNFCCC context, share their own experience on the Edinburgh Declaration and the linkages between biodiversity and climate action at subnational level.
The role of communities in a Just Transition
Time: 12:00-13:30
Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone at The Lighthouse
This session will highlight examples of where local communities have played a key role in developing more sustainable places and will examine the process through which they have been empowered to act, with particular consideration given to the potential of green participatory budgeting.
Sunday 7 November
International Inuit Day
Time: 10:00- 21:30
Strathclyde University, 16 Richmond Street
Join the Scottish Government and the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada to celebrate International Inuit Day during COP26. This full day of events, panel discussions and cultural exhibitions will take place at Strathclyde University.
These are the events where those bridges will be made, so don’t miss out. Add them to your calendar now.
Photo by Mohamed Afsal from Pexels
