Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known
- Key Takeaways from Cop26

By Ellen Salter
November 2021

Hanging over the Cop26 Green Zone, the late astronomer, Carl Sagan’s, declaration is re-asserted – ‘Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.’

Having the fortunate opportunity to attend the first three days of this critical summit on climate action, this assertion presents my biggest takeaway and lens to which we should leave no person and place behind as we strive to limit our global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Cop26 has been branded as one of promise – a promise to ourselves and to each other. And most importantly, to recognise the intersectional burdens and challenges faced by different groups in society including our future generations. In a talk by UK Research and Innovation, it was noted that we have the technology both in development and feasibility to address two-thirds of our emissions reductions required to meet the Paris Agreement; whilst the remaining third falls into an Innovation Gap – a current unknown.

But, somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. Across each of the key themes and challenges explored at Cop26, I believe two key mechanisms are integral: Evidence and Education.

Evidence: For the plethora of challenges the climate crisis presents, there are those working globally to deliver innovative solutions. We must draw upon local adaptive knowledge and include those often marginalised in the climate debate – we must amplify the voices of those on the frontline and work together to openly share data and evidence to support one another and meet the innovation gap.

Education: Climate change is an intergenerational issue – and the most significant burdens are awaiting for our future generations. We need to act urgently to address the current skills, training, and education gap to meet the transition to the low carbon economy. Now, more than ever, we must invest, revisit, and revise our approach towards skills and learning to ensure we’re upskilling our youth in the science and social dimensions of climate-related physical and transition risks. And, we must ensure that we leave no one behind – delivering equitable, inclusive and accessible education for all.

To achieve climate justice and meet the Paris Agreement, we must work together, in support of one another. Somewhere, some[one] incredible is waiting to be known. It is our moral obligation and duty to bring everyone on this journey. The climate crisis cannot be tackled alone. 

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