UKHospitality Invites Operators to COP26 Event in Glasgow Next Month

UKHospitality event at COP26:  Wednesday 10th November, 2021

The United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or COP26, is seen by many as a last chance for the governments of the world to get their shit together and make changes that will avert, or at least mitigate, environmental disaster brought about by man-made climate change.

The conference takes place from October 31st – November 12th in Glasgow, and seeks to align world leaders around a plan of action that will keep global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, which is seen as the most positive outcome within reach.

During the conference, trade body UKHospitality is hosting an event that will outline net zero carbon emission goals for the hospitality industry, and explore ways in which this goal might be achieved. The event is free to attend and, will offer  attendees practical advice to reduce costs and carbon emissions. Speakers at the event, which will take place on Wednesday 10th November, from 2-6pm at Revolution Glasgow, Mitchell Street, include:

  • Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive, UKHospitality
  • Mark Chapman, Founder, Zero Carbon Forum
  • Ivan McKee, Scottish Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise
  • Seema Malhotra MP, Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers

Anyone from the trade who is interested in attending can find more information about the COP26 event, and register here.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality said of the event: “COP 26 will be a significant showcase for the UK and this event is an opportunity for our industry to shine a light on the good work that is being done to ensure a sustainable future for all of us. It is vital that the entire industry is represented, and that everyone participates in a conversation that will shape the future of our industry and the country, and so we urge anyone who is interested in attending to come along and be part of something significant.”

COP26 Goals

1. Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach
Countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century.

To deliver on these stretching targets, countries will need to:

  • accelerate the phase-out of coal
  • curtail deforestation
  • speed up the switch to electric vehicles
  • encourage investment in renewables.

2. Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
The climate is already changing and it will continue to change even as we reduce emissions, with devastating effects.

At COP26 we need to work together to enable and encourage countries affected by climate change to:

  • protect and restore ecosystems
  • build defences, warning systems and resilient infrastructure and agriculture to avoid loss of homes, livelihoods and even lives

3. Mobilise finance

To deliver on our first two goals, developed countries must make good on their promise to mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year by 2020.

International financial institutions must play their part and we need work towards unleashing the trillions in private and public sector finance required to secure global net zero.

4. Work together to deliver

We can only rise to the challenges of the climate crisis by working together.

At COP26 we must:

  • finalise the Paris Rulebook (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational)
  • accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society.