With the UN’s COP26 climate conference rushing toward us like a battery-powered freight train, we’ve rounded up a mix of stories and resources to help you get ready and stay informed.
COP26 President Alok Sharma and many other leaders from around the globe are gathering to negotiate global climate policy. Hopes are high for leaders to deliver meaningful progress.
To better understand the why, how, and who behind the conference, as well as better understand what you can actually do in this climate fight, we’ve put together a short list of COP26 reads.
ClicktoTweet this essential COP26 reading list.
5 Must Reads for COP26
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SO, WHAT'S THE PARIS AGREEMENT HAVE TO DO WITH COP26 AGAIN?
It’s the poster child of climate treaties. This treaty didn’t end a fight, but instead started one against global warming. Learn why this agreement has teeth, what plans and resolutions it’s built on (hello Kyoto Protocol), and how it underpins COP26. To understand how it all fits together, check out: Your Everyday Guide to Climate Plans, Climate Treaties, Climate Policy, and More.
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WHO ARE THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON?
Sure, the Bidens, Johnsons, Putins, and Macrons might be the names capturing the headlines. But if you look past the marquee, you’ll find women have been leading the climate fight. Meet six women influencing the COP26 agenda, pushing policymakers, wrangling heads of state, and inspiring the grassroots climate movement. From a Nigerian herdsman’s daughter to a retiring chancellor, and of course, the young climate activist fiercely demanding more than “blah, blah, blah” from political leaders.
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FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE IS GOING TO COST A LOT, RIGHT? WHO'S PAYING?
The Climate Policy Initiative estimates the world must spend $4.13 trillion every year through 2050 to fund an energy transition to limit global warming. In 2019 and 2020, the world was 85 percent short of that goal. So, how do we make up the difference? Who, from the handful of stakeholders—governments, corporations, venture capitalists, banks, and individuals—should be opening their wallet more widely? Learn how the climate change bill is currently being split, who needs to pay more and how we can all invest in change with our day-to-day purchases.
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HOW CAN PEOPLE ENGAGE WITH COP26?
Glasgow is a long ways away for most people. That doesn’t mean you can’t immerse yourself in all things climate change leading up to and during the vitally important event. Whether you’re looking for virtual events, social media options, or environmental organizations to join, here’s a good guide to get started: How to Engage with Issues You Care About During COP26.
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IS THERE AN “OFFICIAL" COP26 DEEP DIVE?
The UK, as the host country, is glad you asked. COP26 explained is an in-depth welcome brochure for the conference. Did you know the UK has “decarbonized their economy faster than any other country” and is “the largest producer of offshore wind energy in the world,” according to Prime Minister Boris Johnson? Learn the difference between the blue zone and the green zone at the conference. Hint: One’s for taking care of official climate business.
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4 Essential Newsletters Reporting on Climate Change
- Climate Nexus Newsletter: A daily aggregation of the day’s top climate stories.
- Today’s Climate from Inside Climate News: Pulitzer Prize-winning, nonpartisan reporting on climate change.
- The Green Daily Newsletter from Bloomberg: A daily digest of climate news and insights on the latest in science, environmental impacts, zero-emission tech, and green finance.
- The Green Light from the Guardian: A newsletter bringing you weekly headlines, debate and analysis of “the planet’s most important stories” from the global independent media organization.
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Nathan joined Bank of the West in 2018 as a writer for technology, finance, and green businesses. On weekends he’s often out with his family exploring the California coastline.