Click to download our COP26 Green Zone Document (PDF, 6455.35 KB)

COP26 Glasgow provides a unique opportunity to showcase the high ambition and extensive work of Scottish Local Government. Local Authorities in Scotland are working extensively on all aspects of decarbonisation and climate change resilience. Many Councils have committed and already made significant investment to go beyond national targets and deliver carbon neutrality by 2030. Internationally there is no doubt, that Scottish Local Authorities have an outstanding reputation when it comes to climate and energy legislation, policy and practice.

COSLA is working closely with Scottish, UK, EU and international partners for an inclusive COP26 climate summit. We are also part of a broader coalition of Local Government organisations working together for a strong presence at COP26, to advocate for a stronger reference for devolved and Local Governments in the delivery of international climate change commitments.

Glasgow City Council and the UK COP26 Presidency will be central for making COP26 a success, but with this summit being held in Scotland, there is onus on COSLA to welcome our international partners to Glasgow and to put our international partnerships to best use to ensure that the Glasgow summit is a success and the role of Local Government in delivering climate ambition is well recognised. We are therefore delighted to be able to support the dedicated Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day on November 11. This will include events in Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone, the UNFCCC Blue Zone and an exhibition stand in the UK Government Green Zone. The event in Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone is open for elected members to attend either in person or remotely. Details on how to register for the event are available here.

In the run up to COP26, COSLA has been running a social media campaign #LocalGovScot to highlight the work of Scottish Local Authorities in leading the Just Transition to net zero. The campaign aims to demonstrate the extensive efforts of Local Authorities in tackling climate change and promote the importance of Local Government in the context of COP26 talks. Lastly, we are thinking about the legacy for COP 26 in Scotland so that we can maintain momentum toward delivering on the Just Transition. This will be a topic which will feature at COSLA meetings in the months to come.