Mixture of hope & anger as public is split over summit
THE public had mixed feelings as COP26 kicked off in Glasgow yesterday – with some hopeful for change and others resentful of the impact the summit will have on the city.
Glasgow mum Anne Haughey and her daughter Susan Haughey shared their thoughts on the major eco summit as they fear what the future looks like.
Anne said: “It is time for the leaders to come together more and be on the same page about it all. I think sometimes money or other selfish reasons can leave people motivated in the wrong way, but now it’s time to do the right thing.”
Susan added: “I’m vegan for the animals, but also the environment.
“I want to see the leaders come out with an agreement to do more after COP26.”
Sisters Juliette Goddard, 23, and Emily Goddard, 19, were also hopeful that the conference would spark change but begged world leaders to focus on big corporations instead of individual actions.
Student Emily from Edinburgh: “I want to see action from the leaders from COP26. I don’t think enough has happened since the Paris Agreement.
“I recycle and reduce plastic but that won’t be enough on its own. We need bigger changes.”
Juliette added: “There is no point in constantly asking the public to change the way they live rather than tackling these big companies.
“Most of the emissions come from industry.
Protester Ale, 27, from Glasgow, was less optimistic about the summit and complained not enough indigenous people had a voice at the table. He said: “I think COP26 is a total farce. It is a back-patting exercise for world leaders.
“It is shocking that indigenous groups and first nation groups have not been given any support in attending this event. This is a formality which will be forgotten about next week.
Glasgow visitor Jean Baptiste Redde came to Scotland from the south of France for COP26 with flags from different countries tied around him to represent solidarity.
He said: “I want to see COP26 make a difference. I hope it does. I will do my part to protest for sustainable energy.”