COP26 Climate Summit

As many of you know, the United Nations held its 26thConference of Parties on Climate Change (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland between October 31 and November 12, 2021.

The intention of this latest summit was to create bold progress in the fight to prevent climate disasters. With much anticipation tens of thousands of negotiators from countries across the globe, including world leaders, government representatives, business groups and others came for 14 days of talks. Discussions revolved around multiple issues, including adaptation, mitigation, collaboration and more.

Though the intention was to hasten progress on both the Paris Agreements and the UN Framework on Climate Change, the outcome in the opinion of many participants was mixed. On the positive side, COP26 concluded with all parties on board to keep1.5 degrees in place to avoid the 2 degrees marker (especially as it has become apparent that islands, in particular, will become uninhabitable in many places). In addition, there was unanimous agreement to accelerate climate action. However, and to quote COP26 president Alok Sharma, we cannot be complacent: “We…have kept 1.5 degrees alive. But its pulse is weak, and it will only survive if we keep our promises and translate commitments into rapid action…”

We are fortunate that one of the members of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, Lynda Hopkins, attended the Glasgow Summit; and she will report back her impressions to an Open Meeting of the Oakmont Progressives on January 10th. Hopkins, as the Fifth District Supervisor, represents Sebastopol, Southwestern Santa Rosa, and areas of Sonoma County coast and the lower Russian River. Before holding office, Hopkins-who has an educational background in land use and public policy- spent years working in the fields of community journalism and organic farming.

Joining her will be our own District One Supervisor Susan Gorin who will present the implications, challenges and opportunities facing Sonoma County as we fight fires, floods and other aspects of the climate crisis as well as expand the discussion around what they have been involved with at the County and regional levels. Hopkins and Gorin have been serving together on the County Climate Change Ad Hoc team as well as the Regional Climate Protection Authority.

Please join us on Monday, January 10th for social at 6:30pm and/or the meeting at 7:00pm. All Oakmonters are welcome. Click this Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81938137736?pwd=TFAwcm93TDczSzhCd0c2TWZmaHBOZz09