Get Your Voice Heard On Climate Issues at COP26

Do you want the people in power to hear what you have to say about climate change? Climate Cymru are gathering the voices of people from all over Wales to take to COP26 and ensure that they hear what you have to say.

This article is also available in Welsh – I ddarllen y cynnwys yma yn Gymraeg – clicia yma

What is climate change?

Climate change, or global warming, is when the typical temperature and weather patterns changes on our planet, meaning that the world is heating up. Things like burning fossil fuels, farming and deforestation is changing our climate at a much quicker pace than humans and animals can cope with, and results in things like changing weather patterns and rising sea levels. But if we take action now this can be fixed.

To learn more about about it, Newsround has some great information and videos here.

What is COP26?

COP26 is the 26th meeting of the United Nations climate change conference in 2021. For the past 26 years countries from all over the World have gathered together for a Conference of the Parties (COP) to discuss global climate issues. This year’s COP is being held in the UK, in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November.

This year’s COP is an important one as it is when different countries will reveal what action they are taking to stop climate change. At COP21 in Paris a total of 196 countries signed the Paris Agreement, in which they agreed to work together to lower global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius (1.5 degrees is the aim), by reducing greenhouse gas emission. This year they will be sharing their plans to reduce these emissions.

If you’re interested in learning more about COP26 then there’s loads of information in this COP26 Explained guide.

What is Climate Cymru?

Climate Cymru’s aim is to collect the voices of people in Wales and take them to the COP26.

“We want Wales to have a presence in COP26. There is amazing work going on in Wales already and we want to demonstrate that the people of Wales really care about climate change issues and we want them to have a voice,” said Susie Ventris-Field, Climate Cymru Campaign Coordinator.

As well as taking your voices to COP26 Climate Cymru will take them to the UK and Welsh Government to make sure they hear what you have to say and take action by influencing policy. Tell them what action you want to see and why it’s important to you.

You can choose from a pre-written message or you can add your own by signing up here. You can even add your voice as a school or community group if you prefer.

Climate Cymru also have opportunities for young people to become ambassadors. Find out more.

Need to talk?

If you’re worried about anything at all, then you can contact Meic to talk things through. Our friendly advisors can help. Call (080880 23456) text (84001) or chat to us online.