In a speech to mark Finance Day, Pensions Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey outlined the way that the UK is leading the world in mobilising billions of pounds of climate finance, particularly through pension funds, to help power the UK to net zero.
Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey
She urged world leaders to follow what she regards as the UK’s lead in the fight against climate change.
The Pensions Secretary also talked through the UK’s progress in the financial sector, during discussions with international counterparts, panel events and roundtables.
While in Glasgow, she took part in a Green Horizons panel discussion and met representatives of finance giants Blackrock, Legal and General, and Willis Towers Watson.
Ms Coffey said: “COP26 must be a defining moment for the world to get to grips with climate change.
“Our pensions can be a superpower that delivers prosperity for people and the planet in our race to net zero and by following our example, I sincerely hope others around the world can unlock a similar power and propel our world to net zero.”
Together We Can – video anthem Heal the World will be projected at St Luke’s Church in the east end on Tuesday evening at 7pm.
A video anthem created by Hollywood actor, Paul Hampton, will be projected on the walls of St Luke’s Church in the east end of Glasgow on Tuesday. Paul (84), the American singer and writer behind hits such as Sea of Heartbreak, has travelled to Glasgow to deliver his Message of Hope from America.
Glasgow and Nashville, two of the world’s major music cities, will be united as the city’s Lord Provost Philip Braat is connected live with Nashville’s Vice Major Jim Shulman. Glasgow’s Youth Choir accompany this musical video reveal and the Guardian of the Forest (a group of over 80+ indigenous tribes in Central and South America attending COP26) close this very special event with a prayer for humanity.
This campaign is an initiative by HealRWorld, the American globally-driven company that connects socially conscious consumers and businesses. It encourages global citizens who are concerned about the unjust effects of climate change on the dispossessed, to purchase goods from small and medium sized businesses committed to environmental and social justice through the HealRWorld community and ecommerce platform.
Scottish households are being urged to open their doors to delegates attending COP26, helping to widen access to the summit by providing affordable accommodation.
Almost 700 households have already signed up to be part of the COP26 Homestay Network, which is operated independently of The Scottish Government by non-profit organisations.
By offering free or low-cost accommodation, hosts can help ensure those unable to cover the costs themselves, particularly those from the Global South, can attend the summit and make their voices heard.
Patrick Harvie, Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights Minister, said: “COP26 is our best and possibly last chance to work alongside people from around the globe to safeguard our planet from climate catastrophe.
“We know that the impacts of climate change are not felt equally. In fact, those countries and people least responsible for the climate crisis are the ones most severely affected by it.
“It is vital that the voices of those most affected by the climate crisis are heard and acted upon. That’s why the Scottish Government has sponsored dialogues with colleagues from the Global South and is promoting the voices of children and young people throughout COP26. And that’s why we need people to be able to attend who might otherwise struggle.
“I’m pleased that the COP26 Homestay Network is continuing the tradition of solidarity, linking local households with attendees to provide affordable accommodation, helping ensure that those critical voices are heard.
“Accommodation at any COP climate conference is challenging and Glasgow is no exception. This scheme gives local hosts a chance to do their bit to ensure a successful summit, meeting remarkable people from around the world while supporting the global movement to tackle climate change.”
Scotland’s Transport Minister, Graeme Dey, began a campaign – Get Ready Glasgow – on Wednesday to provide details of where to get the most up to date travel information and advice.
The intention is that everyone can prepare and plan ahead for any journeys in the run up to and during the two-week UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.
The Duke of Wellington is the voice of the campaign and the statue which is regularly photographed with a traffic cone on the top will feature in adverts on radio, TV and social media as well as billboards and newsletters.
Road closures in Glasgow will start from 23 October 2021. Get Ready Glasgow will be the go to website with all the up to date information on how to get around.
The website provides details on alternative routes, local road closure dates and where local access will be maintained. It also includes maps highlighting where and when impacts are most likely to help give the public, businesses, delegates and visitors a clearer idea of what to expect on certain days.
Today’s campaign launch follows many months of travel planning and preparations which are now entering an advanced and crucial phase. As well as providing information on how to plan ahead for COP26, details of a range of engagement sessions being held over the coming weeks will be advertised for businesses and communities to attend.
Mr Dey said: “As a huge coup for Glasgow and, indeed, Scotland, COP26 is widely anticipated to be a once-in-a-lifetime global event and one like no other the city has hosted. The scale of the event is unprecedented on so many levels which is why it is vital that people are equipped with the latest information to help organise travel plans in advance and, where necessary, make alternative arrangements.
“The most up-to-date information including a detailed travel plan, maps, road closures and dates for community and business engagement sessions is readily available. I would again urge commuters, businesses and the public to take some time to familiarise themselves with the plans so that we can all work together to help deliver a successful event while keeping Glasgow and the Central Belt moving. I am especially grateful to businesses and the public for engaging with this campaign and playing their part in such a momentous event.”
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and First Bus are providing a fleet of electric buses for conference delegates.
SPT Chair of Operations Committee Councillor, David Wilson, said: “SPT is, once again, proud to play its part assisting with the transport organisation across Glasgow while the city hosts yet another major international event. While some disruption to travel is inevitable with an event of this scale, planning ahead is essential.
“We are working to ensure both local people and our international visitors can move around the city. Working with First Bus Scotland to deliver the official COP26 Zero Emission shuttle service on behalf of the UK and Scottish Governments ensures delegates will get to the event by sustainable public transport and we hope deliver a Glasgow climate agreement we can all be proud of.”
Duncan Cameron, Interim Managing Director for First Bus Scotland: said: “First Bus Scotland is delighted to have been chosen to operate the official COP26 shuttle service and will be working closely with SPT, Transport Scotland and the Cabinet Office to ensure a smooth and efficient service can be delivered for all delegates attending the event.
“It has been a long time in the planning, and it is exciting to now be in the build up to the event officially. It is vitally important that everyone takes the time to familiarise themselves with all diversions and transport plans in order to keep Glasgow moving and deliver an event that the whole world will be proud to be a part of.”
Get Ready Glasgow is managed by Glasgow City Council and is working on the experiences from the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the European Championships in 2018.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, said: “Glasgow has an unrivalled record when it comes to hosting major international events. The expertise that we have developed with our partners, taken with the city’s extensive conference and hotel infrastructure, made Glasgow the logical choice for COP26.
“This global summit is one of the biggest diplomatic events that the UK has seen. It is no exaggeration to say that it is also one of the most important in human history if we are to get runaway climate change under control.
“With more than 140 world leaders expected to attend, security will be tight and the arrangements will affect local businesses and residents as well as those who do business in the city, travel for work or are visiting. The key to lessening that disruption is to inform people well in advance about where there are planned road closures and likely congestion and what the alternative routes are. We’re also encouraging people to leave the car at home and use public transport for their journeys or walk or cycle instead.”
(from left to right): David Wilson, of SPT, Transport Minister Graeme Dey, and Duncan Cameron, of First Bus, launch the COP26 public awareness campaign Photo – Chris Watt Web – www.chriswatt.com
