It’s been planned for years really. The UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) was supposed to happen last year here in Glasgow, but was postponed to this year due to the pandemic. And for quite some time, it wasn’t looking certain to happen at all.
We’ve been seeing the city making preparations for weeks. Last week, some of the city’s main roads were shut down a full week before the conference will start for security procedures and they’ll remain closed for three weeks.
The Scottish news reports have been warning of three main challenges facing the Conference attendees – rail, rubbish and rats. Workers from ScotRail, the operator of both distance and commuter trains (like Amtrak and SEPTA Regional Rail all together) have been striking on Sundays for many months (at least as long as I’ve been here). The workers threatened a full-on strike for the entire COP 26. Then, the trash workers were threatening the same. Thankfully, both strikes were averted.
Tomorrow COP 26 will formally begin and Glasgow will be making global news. It’s easy to lose hope, but I still harbor the wish that this could be a real turning point. The real challenge is not the three “R’s” above, but complacency.
I don’t know that I’ll get anywhere near the Conference. I had applied to be a volunteer back in February, but sadly didn’t make the final cut. There are some public events and, of course, lots of protests planned. Our old flat was a very close walk to where things will take place and the arena where we got our vaccines will be one of the venues. From my short trip to the center city yesterday, things still seemed pretty ordinary, but I’ll try to report back on anything interesting that I experience. I’d also love to hear how Glasgow is portrayed in the news back at home.
While in town yesterday, I made a visit to the Glasgow Cathedral. It’s the oldest building in Glasgow, consecrated in 1197 and added on to over time. It started off as a Roman Catholic cathedral, but was converted during the Protestant Reformation (1560).
While walking through the cathedral, I imagined the many pilgrims who have visited it over the centuries seeking healing, hope, and health.
Now, the world is looking to Glasgow for these very same things for the planet and all its creatures. May it be so.
What an experience – to have walked where pilgrims have walked since the 12th Century! Thanks for your thoughtful blog.
Hi Marlene, Thanks so much for reading. Indeed, to think about all those who walked before me was quite moving. All the best to you.
Sue – From what I’ve seen and heard in this neck of the woods, Glasgow is mentioned as where the conference is taking place, and that’s about it. I’ve seen no mention of Glasgow as the host city and how it has affected anyone. I’m sure a lot of prep went into the hosting of the conference. I wish they would show more of the city.
Hi Mom, thank you for sharing. Love you.