SCIAF welcomes decision to postpone COP26

The COP26 UN climate change conference set to take place in Glasgow in November has been postponed due to COVID-19. 

Commenting on the news, SCIAF’s Chief Executive Alistair Dutton said:

“SCIAF welcomes the decision to delay COP 26 in light of the COVID-19 crisis. The need to limit the spread of this pandemic means the conference must be postponed, but action to tackle the climate emergency cannot be.

"The countries most vulnerable to climate change are experiencing more and more droughts, floods and natural disasters with devastating results. We would therefore like to see COP 26 re-arranged to take place in Glasgow as soon as the necessary diplomacy and preparation is possible, and once it is safe to do so.

"The delay will allow time to prepare properly to ensure that COP26 achieves as much as possible. When it does take place, it will be vital that the voice of the poorest is heard, and that all of us work together to find a sustainable and equitable solution to the problem of climate change. "