Day 1 Of UN Climate Change Conference

The roads are closed and police are out in full force in the rain ahead of COP26. 

COP26, short for the 26th conference of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, couldn’t come at a more crucial time as countries across the globe, including The Bahamas, feel the effects of climate change. 

Prime Minister Philip Davis, who arrived in the UK today, is among thousands of prominent attendees including US President Joe Biden, former president Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. 

Prime Minister Davis is expected to participate in several side meetings on financing opportunities. 

Here’s why you should care. 

Hurricane Dorian, which killed at least 74 people and caused an estimated 3.4 billion dollars in damage, is not expected to be a one-off experience. 

As the prime minister put it, countries like The Bahamas bear almost no responsibility for climate change but are uniquely vulnerable to its impacts. 

Climate adaptation and mitigation finance will allow the Bahamas to transition to renewable energy and to build for resilience.

Here in Glasgow, there was a steady stream of delegates as the ceremonial opening got underway.