In just over six months, Boris Johnson is due to welcome global leaders and businesses to Glasgow for the most significant geopolitical event to take place on British soil in many years – and the most important climate milestone since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 – the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). Whether the summit, hosted in partnership with Italy, can go ahead as currently planned is the subject of intense speculation. But whenever, or in whatever form, it takes place, COP26 will shape the direction of climate policy for at least the next decade. Businesses must not fail to engage with this opportunity.
With today marking Earth Day, the Edelman team has put together a note explaining why COP26 is so important; discussing why a successful conference is critical to the UK Government’s credibility, both at home and overseas; and setting out how businesses can make sure they are part of the conversation as we head towards the crucial summit.