Cogo Sessions: Actions to take post COP26

While some progress was made at COP26, the world remains off track to beat back the climate crisis. And many are feeling frustrated by our world leader's inaction.

“COP26 has made some progress, but nowhere near enough to avoid climate disaster. While millions around the world are already in crisis, not enough leaders were in crisis mode.” Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland

More progress needs to be made

Let's start with the good news: The Glasgow Climate Pact—signed by 197 countries—includes a request for countries to revisit and strengthen their 2030 climate plans by the end of 2022 rather than 2025. There are also new rules on transparency, meaning all countries now have to report emissions and progress every two years.

But, there are still concerns that the rulebook does not go far enough to hold countries accountable for carbon emissions.

While early drafts of the pact included a “phase out” of fossil fuels and subsidies, lobbying from India, China, and other big emitters changed the wording of the final draft to “phase down”. Therefore totally undermining efforts to phase out fossil fuels with the urgency needed.

Loss and damage have also been excluded from the final pact, consequently failing the world’s most vulnerable countries and leaving them without the necessary resources to adapt and plan for a changing climate.

Understandably, people feel betrayed, and the lack of urgency is both frightening and upsetting.

But don’t lose hope; take action

World leaders making decisions like these can intensify feelings of eco-anxiety and make its effects even more damaging.

A recent study has shown immediate government inaction on climate issues is "inextricably linked" to "eco-anxiety" in people under the age of 25.

But one of the best ways to deal with these emotions is to channel them into action. Here’s how you can get involved in the climate crisis:

Make your voice heard

Write to your MP and local representative and ask them to support policies and plans to meet climate targets. The more they hear from you, the more they’ll know that it’s a priority for constituents.

"Use your voice, use your vote, use your choice" Al Gore

So find out who your local MP is and the best way to contact them.

You can also use your voice at work:

• Ask your employers what they are doing to reduce emissions.
• Start eco-initiatives.
• Explore Cogo's business solution.

Join a collective

If you’re struggling with eco-anxiety, joining a collective and taking action can help you feel more in control, more hopeful and more resilient.

So, research local collectives to join. Or consider the communities you are already a part of—whether it’s your school or company, yoga group or football team—and think about how you could mobilise climate support.

“I was suffering from depression that was linked to the climate and my feeling of hopelessness in the system. When I started grassroots organising, that was when things changed for me.” Daze Aghaji, Climate Activist

Educate yourself and others

Knowledge is power. So read books about climate change, watch inspiring documentaries about nature and listen to podcasts where people discuss climate issues.

Then you could educate and inspire others about what you learn. You could even document and share what you're learning via a blog, social media or a newsletter.

Amplify voices

As well as educating others, share stories of those who are on the frontline of the climate crisis and are often most marginalised. Sharing the problems people are facing all over the world can help raise awareness and the urgency of the issue, but also of local solutions.

Hold yourself accountable

Take a personal inventory of your own impact on the planet—remember, if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!

We can help you measure your carbon footprint, find out more here!

Make sustainable changes

Once you better understand your personal impact, you can make sustainable changes to reduce it. From the organisations you choose to support to the food you cook or the transport you take, making small changes in these areas can drive real impact.

And we can help you offset your carbon emissions by investing in clean and renewable energy projects around the world that support local communities, drive sustainable development, and protect our planet.

Cogo is all about finding solutions to help businesses and people better understand their personal contribution to climate change. And provide practical tools to track, reduce and compensate impact. So if you're looking for a sustainable business solution, then get in touch today.

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