How can the UK make COP26 a success?

Institute for Government

COP26 has been called the “last best chance” for the world to avoid catastrophic climate change, and the UK has an opportunity to broker a landmark agreement. But turning months of preparation into an ambitious deal won’t be easy. Success will depend not only on diplomatic skill but on leading by example in demonstrating how to achieve a transition to net zero. With less than a month until the conference, what are the potential sticking points in negotiations? And what must the UK do to ensure that the COP26 is a success? On our panel to discuss these questions: Allegra Stratton, Prime Minister's spokesperson for the COP26 conference James Close, Head of Climate Centre of Excellence and Environment at NatWest Group Simon Eaves, CEO for Accenture in the UK and Ireland Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency and interim Chair of the Green Finance Institute The event was chaired by Tom Sasse, Associate Director at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Accenture for kindly supporting this event.