President Steenkamp: The time is always now: thoughts from COP26

The 26th annual Conference of the Parties (COP26) on Climate Action is happening in Glasgow, Scotland until November 12. It’s frustrating to see the number “26” and think about how long we have been talking about the most urgent threat to our planet and ourselves, but it is also encouraging that we find the optimism and strength to return to the table.

There are already several key developments: more than 100 leaders pledged to end deforestation by 2030. Canada is also among those to promise to phase out using coal, and Mark Carney, special envoy to the UN on climate action and finance, announced that “the money is there” – meaning that more than 450 firms have committed to supporting the goals of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ).

To help digest the content and big developments, I have been looking to dispatches by a friend and former colleague Shauna Sylvester, executive director of Simon Fraser University's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, who is leading a delegation of Canadian cities at the climate summit. I spoke with her and asked her to share a summary of what she’s seen so far, and her impressions of how it’s going. I also look forward to hearing from Royal Roads faculty, associate faculty, staff and students about their impressions of COP26.

Another voice I always listen for is Greta Thunberg’s, and she had some harsh words for the assembled leaders: “No more blah, blah, blah” – meaning it’s time for action. I am inclined to agree. I would invite you to take some time this weekend to think about what climate action looks like for you.