A new analysis of the benefits brought about by the United Nations Climate Summit in 2021 points to a significant uptick in localised environmental action and global status.
Glasgow’s COP26 Legacy: A Business Perspective focuses on progress made in the five years since Scotland’s largest city hosted the world’s leading ecological gathering. Taking in opinion from businesses, educators, public bodies, and community partners, it shows how many organisations have accelerated efforts to reduce things like emissions and overall footprint in the past half decade.
The impact has been so significant, the report shows, that region is now widely recognised as a centre for excellence and leadership in practical climate issues and fields. These include training a skilled workforce, the expansion of green industries and opportunities, greenhouse gas reduction, and developing effective international partnerships. As a result, Glasgow is seen to have growing influence on the global stage, particularly in emerging sectors such as hydrogen and circularity.
‘Hosting COP26 brought the eyes of the world to Glasgow, but what matters most is what the city has done since. This report demonstrates that Glasgow has taken its role as a host city seriously. Businesses across the city have continued to show leadership, turning climate ambition into practical action that is supporting jobs, investment, innovation and long-term resilience,’ said Alison McRae, Senior Director of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
‘The announcement that resilient cities will be a central focus of COP31 underlines just how important the work of cities like Glasgow has become. As we reflect on our legacy since hosting COP26, it is clear that urban leadership, resilience and partnership will remain critical to delivering meaningful climate action in the years ahead,’ she continued. ‘We are proud that Glasgow’s COP26 legacy is not defined by a single event, but by the partnerships, ideas and opportunities that continue to grow from it. The city has shown what can be achieved when businesses, civic leaders and communities work together with a shared sense of purpose.’
You can read the full report
here.
Image: Stephen O’Donnell / Unsplash
