British, Italian Ambassadors Launch Joint COP26 Campaign

On Thursday 27 May 2021, the British Ambassador to Luxembourg, Fleur Thomas, hosted a joint launch event with Italian Ambassador Diego Brasioli ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

From 1 to 12 November 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) will take on the Presidency of COP26 in partnership with Italy. The Summit, which will be held in Glasgow, is an opportunity for nations across the globe to step up in the fight against climate change. More than 190 world leaders are expected to attend.

With its partner Italy, the UK will focus on promoting tangible action that brings to life the transformational change required to unleash the full potential of the Paris Agreement.

During the launch, the British and Italian ambassadors introduced this campaign, outlining the countries' joint commitments. Ambassador Fleur Thomas highlighted the following key goals: securing global net zero by 2050 and keeping the 1.5 degrees target within reach (i.e. limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels); adapting to protect communities and natural habitats; mobilising private and public finance (at least $100 billion in climate finance per year); working together to overcome the challenges of the climate crisis.

The British Ambassador also praised the initiatives taken by the Luxembourg government in this area, such as the introduction of free public transport and the recent CO2 tax on fuel. She noted that the UK and Luxembourg were "like-minded allies" in the fight against climate change.

The Italian Ambassador added that the COVID-19 pandemic had shown that it was only by working together with a clear vision that we can overcome global challenges. He confirmed that Italy will organise a pre-COP event in Milan at the end of October, ahead of the main Summit in Glasgow.

Both the British and Italian Embassies in Luxembourg are also organising various events in the Grand Duchy in the run-up to COP26. Ambassador Fleur Thomas noted that the British Embassy is working together with the Luxembourg government, public and private stakeholders and academics. Similarly, the Italian Embassy is co-organising a series of events with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg on the topic of business and the environment in the coming months. Events will be held in Luxembourg City, Remich and at the University of Luxembourg in Esch-Belval.

The British Embassy is also taking everyday action to reduce its emissions and the use of single-use plastic, for instance by offering visitors homemade gifts, opting for electric vehicles (or even just walking), installing compost bins and buying more organic products.

As well as displaying British and Italian innovation in the mobility sector with the presentation of two electric vehicles, the British and Italian ambassadors planted a tree in the garden of the British Ambassador's Residence to launch their joint campaign and show their commitment to protecting biodiversity.