The COP26 Summit which would have been held in Glasgow later this year has been postphoned until next year. The climate summit, which was scheduled to take place in Glasgow from 9-19 November, had a budget of around £330m – half of which was earmarked for Glasgow venues. Police had expected up to 90,000 people to come to Glasgow for the duration of the event.
COP26 President Sharma said, “The world is currently facing an unprecedented global challenge and countries are rightly focusing their efforts on saving lives and fighting COVID-19. That is why we have decided to reschedule COP26.”
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said, “Postponing COP26 is disappointing but unavoidable. All efforts must be made to tackle COVID19, save lives and protect livelihoods.
“But the climate crisis will not pause for this health crisis. When the virus subsides, COP will be more important than ever to catalyse fast, decisive action and build a sustainable, global economy. The CBI will continue to work with enterprise and government to demonstrate an unflinching commitment to reaching net-zero”
“Alongside the cancellation of Edinburgh’s major festival programme for August, this news comes as a double blow to Scotland’s hard-hit leisure and tourism sectors. With travel bans already impacting hotels, restaurants and tour operators, firms will have been looking forward to these showpiece international events as a chance to welcome visitors to Scotland once again.”