Who is Alok Sharma?
Alok Sharma was appointed full-time President for COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, on 8 January 2021.
Between 13 February 2020 and 8 January 2021, he served as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, as well as President of COP 26.
From 24 July 2019 until 13 February 2020, he served as Secretary of State for International Development, and from 9 January 2018 to 24 July 2019, he served as Minister of State for Employment in the Department of Work and Pensions.
From 13 June 2017 to 9 January 2018, he was Minister of State for Housing and Planning in the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Why and How is he spearheading the event?
The COVID-19 epidemic has wreaked havoc on millions of people all across the world, affecting many aspects of the global economy. Governments across the world, including our own, have taken action to safeguard lives and livelihoods. Climate change, on the other hand, has persisted, and it now poses a threat to life on Earth.
Our country, the United Kingdom, is leading the way, having increased our economy by 78 percent while reducing emissions by 44 percent over the previous 30 years. This demonstrates that green growth is real. Coal accounted for 40% of our electricity in 2012. That percentage is now less than 2%. This demonstrates the possibility of transformation. The United Kingdom was the first country to commit to a 78 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2035.
- COP26 UK PRESIDENCY -
WHY WE MUST ACT NOW
-RESPONSIBILITIES -
Why we need to change:
There would be widespread and catastrophic consequences on people and ecosystems if global warming reached 2 degrees Celsius. A third of the world's population would be subjected to extreme heat on a daily basis, causing health concerns and an increase in heat-related fatalities. This is a primary reason for the more developed countries to act now before the less fortunate countries have to suffer.
-HOW -
What the event plans to do:
In order to do this, the UK COP Presidency is collaborating with governments and partners to:
- Make the transition from coal to renewable energy as quickly as possible.
- For the sake of people and the environment, protect and restore nature.
- Increase the speed of the transition to zero-emission cars.
- GOALS -
What they have promised:
- Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach
- Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
- Mobilise finance
- Work together to deliver
- PARTNERSHIP -
Joint nation effort
The United Kingdom and Italy are committed to placing climate change and biodiversity loss at the forefront of the international agenda in 2021, especially through the G7, G20, and COP26 Presidency.
As part of this year's UK-Italy Presidency Partnership, a mutual agreement on the importance of repairing the damage caused by COVID-19.
They will engage with our international partners and via our presidencies to foster a green and resilient recovery that supports long-term growth and jobs while also benefiting those who are most susceptible to climate change's effects.
- LOCATION -
Glasgow, UK
COP26 of 2021 will be hosted on the Scottish event campus - Exhibition Way, Glasgow G3 8YW