Warning – this is not wholly positive, and this particular write up represents some of the negative things I have seen at COP26, and by no means represents my overall impression, which has been hugely positive, but I do want to record these thoughts too.
I just wanted to take some time to talk about inclusion at COP26, as lots of people have been talking about this. From my own perspective, I obtained a ticket to the ‘Blue’ zone (where the negotiations have been taking place) through our international organisation the World Federation of Engineering Organisations, who were given some 6 tickets or so for the two-week period (as they are official observers at UNFCCC) which we could switch around between different people over the duration of the event. It has been a great privilege for me to be here as part of this group, but in reality only three of our delegation managed to come in the end, and all of them from the UK, due to the difficulties with either visa or accommodation or flights.
I am also involved with the Womenvai group - another official observer of UNFCCC – who have been a great source of support here. With this group I have seen first-hand how they have struggled to access information on the vaccination requirements – not only in terms of travelling to the UK, but in terms of taking a daily test which is necessary for entry. The Covid test kits have been completely unavailable at the conference, unlike in the Green (public) zone where they are being given out free of charge in boxes to anybody who would like one. Whilst the boxes are available to COP26 delegates at some of the biggest hotels in the city of Glasgow (Hilton etc), it seems ridiculous to me that they are not absolutely accessible to anybody at anytime. And the information that has been provided seems insufficient to me to help delegates from other countries to register these test results on the UK Government website on a daily basis. So from a personal perspective I have seen very clearly how even the most privileged with tickets have not been able to come, and have struggled with lack of basic information.
The Blue Zone is fortified like a prison, and surrounded by walls and barbed wire. The Green Zone also feels unwelcoming, and certainly not part of the ‘main event’ since it separated by the Clyde river and a 20 minute walk, and access is gained through a convoluted route through a car park. Don’t get me started on the food choices and food packaging in the Green Zone, but let’s just say it could have been a lot better.
In terms of information provided once we get into the Blue Zone conference centre, the wayfinding services are poor. A map of ‘The Site’ gives the absolute minimum of information – not even explaining which ‘site’ it is referring to (Blue or Green, that is). Zone D – the biggest of the zones, is a vast hall with multiple pavilions, and at least some distinguishing landmarks could have been usefully included – especially for visitors who do not speak English, and just a description of what is in the zone would be good (rather than just identifying letters).
In terms of IT, it is almost impossible to access the COP26 platform successfully, and find what you are looking for. I have been here over a week now and not managed to get my head around where things are to be found on this site, or how to find things a second time that I know are there.
But much more fundamental than the issues above, which are basically nice to haves once you have a ticket, is the lack of accessibility to those marginalised and indigenous communities who do not have a voice here. These groups have found it impossible to have a seat at the table, as the article here describes. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/08/cop26-legitimacy-questioned-as-groups-excluded-from-crucial-talks
I reiterate my own privilege in being involved as a delegate at this COP26 event, but do want to point out that this privilege is not extended as far as it should be, so that we can hear first hand from those people who are at the front line of the climate changes occurring.
BUT, on the other hand, COP26 has succeeded very well in drawing huge attention to the immediate dangers of climate change in the world, and given us all an extended opportunity to understand the issues involved, and learn how to address them in our personal and professional lives. Whilst we are not at the end of the week yet, and not sure how the final negotiations will turn out, the legacy it leaves will for me be one of hope and inspiration for change, and a sense of urgency.
Part of my work is at King’s College London where I am Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence, looking at ways to inspire students to use their skills to address sustainable development, through the curriculum and beyond. I go back to this work with renewed energy, because at the end of COP26 we have to find ways to include everybody in the conversation about climate change, and to create inclusive and accessible outcomes that leave no one behind.
I just wanted to take some time to talk about inclusion at COP26, as lots of people have been talking about this. From my own perspective, I obtained a ticket to the ‘Blue’ zone (where the negotiations have been taking place) through our international organisation the World Federation of Engineering Organisations, who were given some 6 tickets or so for the two-week period (as they are official observers at UNFCCC) which we could switch around between different people over the duration of the event. It has been a great privilege for me to be here as part of this group, but in reality only three of our delegation managed to come in the end, and all of them from the UK, due to the difficulties with either visa or accommodation or flights.
I am also involved with the Womenvai group - another official observer of UNFCCC – who have been a great source of support here. With this group I have seen first-hand how they have struggled to access information on the vaccination requirements – not only in terms of travelling to the UK, but in terms of taking a daily test which is necessary for entry. The Covid test kits have been completely unavailable at the conference, unlike in the Green (public) zone where they are being given out free of charge in boxes to anybody who would like one. Whilst the boxes are available to COP26 delegates at some of the biggest hotels in the city of Glasgow (Hilton etc), it seems ridiculous to me that they are not absolutely accessible to anybody at anytime. And the information that has been provided seems insufficient to me to help delegates from other countries to register these test results on the UK Government website on a daily basis. So from a personal perspective I have seen very clearly how even the most privileged with tickets have not been able to come, and have struggled with lack of basic information.
The Blue Zone is fortified like a prison, and surrounded by walls and barbed wire. The Green Zone also feels unwelcoming, and certainly not part of the ‘main event’ since it separated by the Clyde river and a 20 minute walk, and access is gained through a convoluted route through a car park. Don’t get me started on the food choices and food packaging in the Green Zone, but let’s just say it could have been a lot better.
In terms of information provided once we get into the Blue Zone conference centre, the wayfinding services are poor. A map of ‘The Site’ gives the absolute minimum of information – not even explaining which ‘site’ it is referring to (Blue or Green, that is). Zone D – the biggest of the zones, is a vast hall with multiple pavilions, and at least some distinguishing landmarks could have been usefully included – especially for visitors who do not speak English, and just a description of what is in the zone would be good (rather than just identifying letters).
In terms of IT, it is almost impossible to access the COP26 platform successfully, and find what you are looking for. I have been here over a week now and not managed to get my head around where things are to be found on this site, or how to find things a second time that I know are there.
But much more fundamental than the issues above, which are basically nice to haves once you have a ticket, is the lack of accessibility to those marginalised and indigenous communities who do not have a voice here. These groups have found it impossible to have a seat at the table, as the article here describes. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/08/cop26-legitimacy-questioned-as-groups-excluded-from-crucial-talks
I reiterate my own privilege in being involved as a delegate at this COP26 event, but do want to point out that this privilege is not extended as far as it should be, so that we can hear first hand from those people who are at the front line of the climate changes occurring.
BUT, on the other hand, COP26 has succeeded very well in drawing huge attention to the immediate dangers of climate change in the world, and given us all an extended opportunity to understand the issues involved, and learn how to address them in our personal and professional lives. Whilst we are not at the end of the week yet, and not sure how the final negotiations will turn out, the legacy it leaves will for me be one of hope and inspiration for change, and a sense of urgency.
Part of my work is at King’s College London where I am Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence, looking at ways to inspire students to use their skills to address sustainable development, through the curriculum and beyond. I go back to this work with renewed energy, because at the end of COP26 we have to find ways to include everybody in the conversation about climate change, and to create inclusive and accessible outcomes that leave no one behind.
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