On 5 June the world marked World Environment Day. This year
the anniversary fell in unprecedented circumstances: the
global COVID-19 crisis has of course brought with it
immense challenges around the world, including in Egypt,
Italy and the UK. But in the middle of so much pain and
suffering, we have also had the opportunity to reflect on
the effects of the crisis on our climate. Falling global
emissions had an impact on all walks of life: wildlife not
seen in decades have appeared in parts of the UK, fish have
returned to the canals of Venice, and air pollution is at a
record low in many of our cities.
The Coronavirus provides a stark reminder of what happens
when humanity’s relationship with nature breaks down. As we
recover, we have an opportunity to protect and to restore
that relationship, by reducing our exposure to deadly
viruses and climate impacts alike.
That is why next year’s climate summit, COP26 - which will
be held in Glasgow from 1 to 12 November 2021 - will be a
critical moment for us all. Hosted by the UK in partnership
with Italy, it will be the biggest summit ever to take
place in the UK: over 30,000 delegates are expected to
gather for the event in Glasgow. Postponing the summit
until 2021 has given us another year to get ready: Italy
and the UK will be working tirelessly over this period to
raise global ambition, and to ensure that COP26 is a
resounding success. The twin Presidencies of the G7 (UK)
and the G20 (Italy) in 2021 will be putting the climate
change agenda front and centre.
We are delighted that Egypt will be our partner in this
vital endeavour.
At the last summit - COP 25, in Madrid - the UK and Egypt
jointly launched an ambitious action plan aimed at
mitigating the most severe impacts of climate change, and
adapting to those impacts where they cannot be avoided.
This was an important contribution to the global effort to
complete and implement the Paris Agreement of 2015. Only by
delivering on that Agreement can we demonstrate that the
world is able to work together to solve this pressing
challenge.
As the Egyptian Minister of Environment, Her Excellency Dr
Yasmin Fouad, said at the recent Petersberg Climate
Dialogue, the whole world has come together to face the
Coronavirus. The solidarity we have achieved in that
context provides an excellent platform on which to build
united and coordinated international action to tackle the
climate crisis as well.
To achieve that, we need countries, cities, states and
businesses to come together now to take ambitious action
towards achieving net zero global emissions. As incoming
Presidents of COP26, the UK and Italy are committed to
bringing all our partners together to deliver on the spirit
and the letter of the Paris Agreement. A special effort
will be dedicated to the impact of climate change on
Africa: Italy will host an event on this theme in 2021, in
preparation for the COP26 summit in Glasgow. Italy will
also organize the first edition of the event
“Youth4Climate: driving ambition” to highlight the
fundamental role that young generations play in tackling
issues related to climate change.
As we recover from COVID-19, we have a rare opportunity to
rebuild in a way that lays the foundation for sustainable,
resilient and inclusive growth. And just as we have come
together to face COVID-19, the international community can
and must unite to tackle the climate crisis. Our people,
and our planet, deserve no less.
