COP26 may be the 'highest emitting United Nations environmental summit so far'
![Delegates at COP26.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nP8e6rHFEijytUgzLyiDTW-415-80.jpg)
According to estimates from professional services firm Arup, the COP26 climate summit held in Glasgow, U.K. over the last two weeks will emit "about 102,500 tons of carbon dioxide," or the "equivalent of total average annual emissions for more than 8,000 U.K. residents," CNBC reports. In fact, this year's conference is expected to have a carbon footprint roughly double that of the global summit in 2019.
Even with the "reusable coffee cups, the low-flush loos, the paperless draft documents," and the "locally-sourced vegetarian haggis," writes The Washington Post, COP26 may be the "highest emitting United Nations environmental summit so far."
A majority of emissions — 60 percent — are projected to come from international flights, though other "large contributors include accommodations, policing for the event and transportation to and from venues," per CNBC.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Of course, it's "hard to see" how so many delegates could have arrived in the U.K. by a method other than air travel, notes the Post, but ... "there's always coach." U.K. Prime Minster Boris Johnson particularly caught flack for returning the 400 miles to London from Glasgow via charterted Airbus A321 jet.
Also important to note when considering emissions is that this year's COP was bigger than past years' events, with almost "40,000 registered participants, including delegates, observers and media," writes the Post. The British government, which hosted the conference, said that, for the first time, emissions were calculated as including not just the conference site, but a space across the river for "civil society events." To offset emissions, the Brits are said to be purchasing carbon credits.
The final emissions tally will not be known until later. Read more at The Washington Post.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
Red Speedo: a 'darkly comic' doping drama
The Week Recommends Lucas Hnath's play stars Finn Cole as a 'reptilian' swimmer determined to win at all costs
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
One Aldwych: where London's creative spirit takes centre stage
The Week Recommends This five-star Covent Garden hotel is the epitome of elegant independence
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Charlotte Dujardin and equestrianism's dark side
In the Spotlight Olympic gold medallist and dressage star's suspension over horse whipping brings abuse in horse sports back into the spotlight
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The Earth just saw its hottest day on record
Speed Read July 21, 2024 was the hottest day in recorded global history
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Prisons are simply not prepared for extreme heat
Under the radar Inmates are at severe risk of heat-related illness
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
The first US species has been driven to extinction due to sea level rise
The Explainer The cactime is up
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
The US government wants to turn concrete jungles into real jungles
Under the radar Adding more trees to some cities is the plan
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Beryl kills 4, knocks out power to 2.7M in Texas
Speed Read Millions now face sweltering heat without air conditioning
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Gassy livestock are going to be taxed in Denmark
Under the Radar Cows are about to cost more moola
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Sweltering heat wave hits much of the United States
Speed Read An excessive heat warning was in effect for 10% of the country's population
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Why beaches are closing across the country
The Explainer Step away from the water!
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published