The COP26 United Nations climate change conference planned for Glasgow in November has been postponed.
It was expected to be the largest event of its type ever held in the UK, with 30-50,000 delegates, crowds of protesters running into six figures and an economic boost to the city of up to £75 million.
The decision to cancel was taken jointly by the UN COP Bureau, the UK and event partner Italy and a new date is to be set for the gathering at the Scottish Events Campus next year.
A statement said: “In light of the ongoing, worldwide effects of Covid-19, holding an ambitious, inclusive COP26 in November 2020 is no longer possible.
“Rescheduling will ensure all parties can focus on the issues to be discussed at this vital conference and allow more time for the necessary preparations to take place.
“We will continue to work with all involved to increase climate ambition, build resilience and lower emissions.”
COP26 President-Designate and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Alok Sharma MP said: “The world is currently facing an unprecedented global challenge and countries are rightly focusing their efforts on saving lives and fighting Covid-19. That is why we have decided to reschedule COP26.
“We will continue working tirelessly with our partners to deliver the ambition needed to tackle the climate crisis and I look forward to agreeing a new date for the conference.”
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa said: “Covid-19 is the most urgent threat facing humanity today, but we cannot forget that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity over the long term.
“Soon, economies will restart. This is a chance for nations to recover better, to include the most vulnerable in those plans, and a chance to shape the 21st century economy in ways that are clean, green, healthy, just, safe and more resilient.
“In the meantime, we continue to support and to urge nations to significantly boost climate ambition in line with the Paris Agreement.”
