CLOSE OF COP26: what does this outcome mean for students?

Words by Laura Claire, Writer . Images courtesy of @harrygrebdesign.

COP26 has, without doubt, dominated much of our screens recently. For two weeks we’ve had ministers, world leaders and even some notable royals (hello former alum) grace our feeds with empowering speeches on why climate change is a crisis to be tackled today not tomorrow. Sure this is not without reason. Climate change is nothing short of an emergency unfolding before our eyes: put simply the world is warming due to emissions being released from the consumption of fossil fuels, all down to us.

 So if science suggests that climate change is an imminent threat to life as we know it on the planet, why has a deal taken so long to be struck at something like COP26? More to the point, what exactly does this agreement mean and how is today's overall outcome relevant for us here at St Andrews University?

 Starting on 31st of October until 12th of November 2021, COP26 saw over 100 world leaders and 25,000 delegates congregate in Glasgow with the hopes of negotiating a carbon reduction plan. Sounds positive, but this conference has not been without its controversies. We’ve seen over 100,000 protesters take to the streets, 10,000 police officers deployed for safeguarding within the area, tense scrutiny over attendee’s use of private jets and let’s not forget the scandal surrounding the whopping carbon footprint of its outlandish menu choices. Even by these standards it seemed strange that as of 5pm on its closing day; the news conference due to be held by COP26’s  president, Alok Sharma, was unexpectedly cancelled at the last minute. While negotiations surrounding a global carbon reduction plan have seemingly gone down to the wire, 48 hours later on 14th November the UK prime minister announces that a ‘game changing agreement’ has been struck in a flash 5pm press conference. Here’s what you need to know:

 -In an admission by COP26’s president, Alok Sharma, talks went down to a final ‘tense hour’ whereby a complete agreement was almost ‘in jeopardy.’

 - UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirms a deal has been reached that sounds ‘the death knell’ for coal consumption.

 -130 countries have agreed to cease deforestation by 2030.

 - A plan to reduce methane emission by 30% as of 2030 has been agreed by over 100 countries.

 -Yet there is disappointment surrounding China and India’s late word change: ‘phasing down’ rather than ‘phasing out’ of emissions.

 When pressed on how he considers the conclusion of COP26, Johnson offers a cheap middle of the road comment “6/10”. We can’t blame ourselves if we are all thinking the same thing: how can such a far removed conference-where our own prime minister believes just over half of results have been achieved-be somehow relevant to us?

 It would be easy to feel either disheartened with the so-called lack of movement to tackle our current climate crisis or simply overwhelmed with what can be done to help on a singular human level. Sure, you can consider your travel plans, reduce food waste, and be conscious of your energy usage. Yet, as I find myself writing on a platform which promotes positivity-especially engaging to the fullest with fashion, art, and other lifestyle choices-here's to keeping it both simple and mindful. If COP26 has taught us anything it’s that mankind has made a significant difference already to this planet, so it’s up to us to decide what kind of a difference we'd like to be a part of next. 

-   Shop sustainably: try vintage, second hand, charity shop pieces. 90s is back for a reason.

-   Don’t reach for fast fashion because of convenience. According to latest statistics, 25% of these products are left unsold and due to poor quality textiles and less than 1% of these products are recycled or resold.

 -   Most of us are guilty of needing to buy a new outfit last minute and taking advantage of that free next day delivery promo code.  Often apps like Depop or vintage will sell quality items (FYI including pieces which are out of stock online from your favourite retailer) and still ship promptly. Next time, think about messaging the seller and asking for the earliest delivery date.

 -   Remain aware of so-called ‘green washing,’ a term widely used to recognise corporations who spin us a misleading narrative on what their environmental impact exactly is. In an industry which produces more emissions than international plane travel and shipping combined, when fashion brands throw around terms like ‘natural’ ‘vegan’ eco-friendly’ be sure to check figures, not rhetoric.