COP26 – What Businesses Can Do To Help Reverse Climate Change

Stella Nichols
October 26, 2021

From the 31^st of October to the 12^th of November 2021, the 26^th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be held in Glasgow. COP26 will involve up to 25,000 people, including world leaders, journalists, and climate scientists meeting to discuss how to achieve the goals set out in The Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement was signed by world leaders in a bid to tackle climate change.

The COP26 Paris Agreement Goals

The goals of this agreement include:

Securing global net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
Keeping global temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
Cutting the number of harmful greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Encouraging the uptake of the use of renewable energy sources.

The 197 signees have until 2030 to reduce their emissions, a deadline set by the COP26. Other commitments include phasing out coal, dramatically decreasing deforestation, switching to electric vehicles, and investing in renewables.

Reaching these targets is essential for the normal function of the planet. If these targets are not reached, there will be severe impacts on people and nature, including exposure to extreme weather conditions which will lead to health problems and more natural disasters.

What does COP26 mean for your business?

Sustainable options are becoming the new norm, and businesses are being encouraged to lead the way by becoming more environmentally friendly. Businesses are being asked to set net-zero targets in partnership with the Race to Zero to help limit the worst impacts of climate change. They are also being asked to go 100% renewable, if possible, with the use of electric vehicles being heavily encouraged.

Some businesses can also benefit from a government loan in return for going green. The Scottish Government is offering an interest-free green loan of up to £100,000 for SMEs to install energy-efficient equipment, including renewable heating, switching to LED lighting, installing double glazed windows, and installing solar panels.

The main message of COP26 is to work together to achieve these goals. Whilst businesses are responsible for a considerable amount of pollution, they also have the resources to initiate change. Reduce My Costs can help your business begin to make these changes through discussing environmentally friendly alternatives to factors such as your energy and water supplier, while also saving you money in the process.