“We need to choose to be optimistic, despite our misgivings about the COP process”: an interview with Patrick Harvie
At COP26, Harvie was one of the speakers launching the UK Green Building Council Scotland, which set a 2045 target for a transition to a Net Zero built environment. Asked whether we should be optimistic about COP’s ability to affect change, Harvie criticises the COP process for giving too much power to the main contributors to climate change as opposed to those most affected by it, and for letting the pace be set by political rather than scientific agendas.
By Katarina Zivkovic
Belgium’s Complex Geo-Political Division as a Roadblock in Reaching COP 26 Climate Goals
With a set objective of 62.5% emission reduction for European industry, the national objective of emission reductions varies depending on the socio-economic status of each country. For Belgium, this percentage is at 47%. However, without a clear federal climate agreement, Belgium is seemingly back at square one. I had the opportunity to talk to Philippe Henry, Vice President and Minister of Environment, Energy, Infrastructure and Mobility of Wallonia, to discuss Belgium’s current situation in light of the climate crisis.
By Evelyn Dom
What change do protests make?
Protestors have overtaken Glasgow for the last two weeks, challenging world leaders to act fast against the climate crisis that has been affecting numerous countries across the globe. Thousands of committed people rained on the streets, waving self-made banners, chanting slogans, and beating drums, sometimes having to bear the unfriendly Scottish weather conditions. Now that COP26 is coming to an end, one might wonder if the efforts and dedication from global citizens have either made or will make an impactful change.
By Chris Opoku
Making Art for COP26: ‘Change Needed’ (An Interview with Abbie Harris)
Can you explain a little bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m Abbie, an artist originally from Bolton, now living in London. I’ve just recently graduated from my Fine Art and Mixed Media course from the University of Westminster. I tend to make a lot of activist art about issues that affect me and those around me–feminist and environmental issues as well as problematics surrounding social classes, such as coming from a working class background
By Megan Farrimond
What Can COP26 Teach Us About Glasgow’s Public Transport?
For COP26, Glasgow’s public transport system has changed – and has done so significantly. The city’s buses, trains, and Subway lines have been integrated into one connected system, covered by a travel pass given free to all delegates attending the conference. The Subway has even opened until 10pm on Sundays – something any Glasgow resident could previously only dream of. But after the fortnight is over? Back to the bare minimum, of course.
By Ellie Henderson
XR Protest of JP Morgan Halted by Police
On the 2nd of November a group of Extinction Rebellion activists protesting the investment banking firm JP Morgan was stopped and held by policemen on St Vincent Street at Charing Cross, next to the Scottish Power headquarters. Over 50 police officers formed a human barricade across St Vincent Street preventing the protestors from continuing their march.
By Iona Macwhirter-Harley
COP26 Daily Briefing: Thursday 4th November
Today, Thursday 4th November, marks the fifth day of COP26 in Glasgow: a day focused on energy. With fossil fuels being the biggest contributor to climate change, today’s negotiations have been some of the most important of the summit yet. Thus far, we have seen a number of major pledges made.
By Ellie Henderson
‘Baile Hoose’ Inhabitants Confined by Police
Environmental activists occupying a former homeless shelter on Centre Street in Tradeston were stopped from leaving and entering the building today by police. The former Hamish Allan Centre, now ‘Baile Hoose’, has been taken over by campaigners who are offering food and shelter for climate activists for the duration of COP26. This is in response to the lack of available accommodation for climate activists visiting Glasgow for the conference.
By Iona Macwhirter-Harley
COP26 Vigil: Religious Leaders Call for Hope and Action
On Sunday, 31 October 2021, leaders of nine faith groups came together in George Square to begin the COP26 fortnight with a message of hope, action, and urgency. The event–also streamed online to thousands across the world–began with an introduction from the CEO of Interfaith Glasgow, Dr Rose Drew, and the Director of Interfaith Scotland Dr Maureen Sier. A reading of the Glasgow Multi-Faith Declaration for COP26 followed. The Declaration called for governments to commit to science-based climate targets and a zero-emissions future.
By Iona Macwhirter-Harley
The Global Premiere of David Attenborough’s new documentary kicks off COP-26
On the eve of COP26 I was lucky enough to attend the global premiere of David Attenborough’s new BBC documentary – The Green Planet. Walking in through airport level security and immediately feeling out of place in a crowd which included delegates, reporters, film crews, and Ed Miliband – I took my seat with some complimentary vegan toffee and a glass of white wine.
By Emily Mynett
A ‘Security’ Precaution?: Sacrificing Women’s Safety to Save the Planet
Content warning: discussions of sexual assault
The announcement of the closure of Kelvin Way to pedestrians during COP26 has left me angry and frustrated. The decision by Glasgow City Council to make so-called ‘required security preparations’ for the summit is poorly thought out and completely disregards the fact that the road is the main access route between the university (and HIVE nightclub) and the Finnieston area that has street lights. As a young woman who regularly uses this route – especially at night – to avoid walking through Kelvingrove Park, I feel no consideration has been given to the safety risks this decision causes.
By Maddy Dorrian
Journalism at COP 