Heads of state and thousands of diplomats, observers and others are descending on Glasgow for the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). With the eyes of the world on climate action and in particular, climate action in the UK, IEMA considers what a good outcome would be from the international climate summit. Back in 2019, IEMA declared a climate emergency. We said our declaration “is rooted in the reality of the international science base and in the knowledge that our profession (IEMA members) can make a pivotal contribution towards the rapid transitions now required.” While it is important to recognise the fact that we are in a climate and ecological emergency, recognition is not enough. Action must follow.
