IN TOWN
Former US President Barack Obama lands in Glasgow ahead of COP26 summit
by Scottish Sun reporters · The Scottish SunFORMER US President Barack touched down in Glasgow ahead of his speech at COP26 later today.
The 60-year-old was spotted in his chauffeur driven car at the airport shortly after 8.30pm.
It’ll be the first time he has been in the country since his last visit in 2017.
He is set to speak on the progress made in the five years since the Paris Agreement took effect, highlight the leadership of young people around the globe, and urge more robust action going forward by everyone from governments to the private sector.
Elsewhere, a total of 22 arrests were made as thousands of climate activists descended on the city for a Climate March.
Protesters also allegedly chained themselves together to block The King George V Bridge in Glasgow yesterday afternoon which sparked travel chaos.
The bridge was blocked off amid claims climate change activists sat along the road to stop access for pedestrians and motors.
Cops described the Climate March as one of the largest protests Glasgow has hosted that “many of us can ever remember” as thousands of people “from across the world” flocked to the city centre to participate in it.
Read our COP26 live blog below for the latest updates.
Paige Beresford24 minutes ago
BARACK OBAMA TO HOLD NEWS BRIEFING
The former US president is set to hold to a news briefing today.
He is expected to speak to the media today at the UN climate change summit.
He will be in Glasgow for the briefing in Glasgow at 12.45pm.
Paige Beresford53 minutes ago
UK GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES PLANS TO INVEST ALMOST £300MILLION TO HELP VULNERABLE COUNTRIES
The announcement shows UK government plans to invest £300million to help the most vulnerable countries.
The money will help them fight the impact of climate change.
International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelya is due to give a ministerial session at the Glasgow summit.
Ministers from around 26 countries – including the US and European Commission – will attend.
The meeting will see Ms Trevelyan, the UK Government’s champion for adaptation and resilience at COP26, urge for countries to do more to support developing countries.
Around £274million will be invested in Asia and the Pacific region to help communities better prepare for the impact of climate change.
A further £15million adaptation fund for developing countries will be created and £1m will support the humanitarian response to climate change.
Paige BeresfordToday, 09:00
NICOLA STURGEON TO PUSH FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE AND AID THIS WEEK AT COP26
The First Minister is set to push for climate justice and aid for those in the global south this week at the UN climate summit.
She is meeting with faith leaders from around the globe today to talk about the role religion plays in bringing communities together to help tackle climate problems.
She is also set to participate in a presentation with She will then take part in a presentation with representatives of Malawi and Tanzania.
Ms Sturgeon is due to meet world leaders from islands as the week progresses.
Paige BeresfordToday, 08:30
ANNIE LENNOX SAYS COP26 OUTCOME ‘REMAINS TO BE SEEN’
Scots superstar Annie Lennox has said that even though she is “proud” that COP26 is being held in Glasgow, the outcome still “remains to be seen”.
The singer-songwriter, 66, called on big countries to “get on board” and has warned the planet could be “in real jeopardy” if they don’t.
Ms Lennox, who is Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “Being around COP26, everyone is focused on climate change but afterwards, when everyone leaves, one has to walk one’s talk.
“If large countries such as India and China do not get on board and really genuinely try to reduce their emissions, we are in real jeopardy.”
“I am very proud it’s taking place in Scotland but I really have this terrible sense of dread.
“The latest UN report says we are missing the opportunity to build back better after the pandemic and, if we don’t, we face disastrous temperature rises of at least 2.7C if countries fail to meet their climate goals.
“That is really sobering. COP26 is not about the talk – it’s about meeting the pledges, so the outcome remains to be seen.”
Paige BeresfordToday, 08:00
VANESSA NAKATE CALLS ON BARACK OBOMA TO HELP CLIMATE FIGHT AS HE ARRIVES IN COP26
Ugandan climate justice activist Vanessa Nakate has called for Barack Obama to help on delivering $100billion as he arrives in Glasgow for COP26.
The 24-year-old activist recalled how he promised the massive funds back in 2011 and has asked him to follow through on that promise.
In a Tweet, she wrote: “Mr @BarackObama, I was 13 when you promised $100B #ClimateFinance.
“The US has broken that promise, it will cost lives in Africa.
“Earth’s richest country does not contribute enough to life-saving funds.
“You want to meet #COP26 youth. We want action.
“Obama & @POTUS#ShowUsTheMoney“.
Sarah PeddieToday, 06:00
FORMER US PRESIDENT LANDS IN GLASGOW
FORMER US President Barack touched down in Glasgow last night ahead of his speech at Cop26 later today.
The 60-year-old was spotted in his chauffeur driven car at the airport shortly after 8.30pm.
It’ll be the first time he has been in the country since his last visit in 2017.
Later today he is set to speak on the progress made in the five years since the Paris Agreement took effect, highlight the leadership of young people around the globe, and urge more robust action going forward by everyone from governments to the private sector.
It is not known how long he will remain in Scotland, though the 12-day climate summit itself will conclude on November 12.
Sarah PeddieToday, 05:00
SCOTS LEFT BAFFLED BY ECO WARRIOR
SCOTS have been left baffled after spotting a climate activist crawling on his hands and knees – dressed as a TREE.
The eco warrior was spotted branching out his form of protest, dressed in all black with a sapling strapped to his back.
Baffled Glaswegians seemed to be amused by the bizarre activist as he crawled through the rain on Buchanan Street.
The video was posted to TikTok and more people reacted to the baffling footage.
Read more here.
Sarah PeddieToday, 04:00
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES ALMOST £300 MILLION FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE
THE UK Government has announced plans to invest almost £300 million helping the most vulnerable countries fight the impact of climate change.
On adaptation, loss and damage day at Cop26, International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will convene a ministerial session at the Glasgow summit.
Ministers from at least 26 countries and regions, including the US and the European Commission, will attend the meeting, where Ms Trevelyan, the UK Government’s champion for adaptation and resilience at Cop26, will urge countries to do more to support developing countries, while announcing a financial pledge from Westminster.
Some £274 million will be invested in Asia and the Pacific region to help communities better prepare for the impact of climate change, while a £15 million adaptation fund for developing countries will be created and £1 million will support the humanitarian response to climate change.
Ahead of the event, Ms Trevelyan said: “We must act now to stop climate change from pushing more people into poverty.
“We know that climate impacts disproportionately affect those already most vulnerable.
“We are aiming for significant change that will ultimately contribute to sustainable development and a climate-resilient future for all, with no-one left behind.”
Sarah PeddieToday, 03:00
COPS LOOK AHEAD TO SECOND WEEK OF COP26
As COP26 arrives at its half way point, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie looks ahead to the second week while praising both protesters and police.
ACC Ritchie said: “For such a highly significant event, to reach the end of the first week with fewer than 50 arrests being made is testament to the fact the relationship between protesters and the police has been largely non-contentious.
“Despite today being a rest day at the conference, Police Scotland has, once again, engaged positively with protest organisers and attendees at a number of events across Glasgow, with minimum disruption to the wider community.
“As you’ll no doubt know, Police Scotland has spent more than 18 months preparing for COP26, and a great deal of effort has gone into ensuring our policing plan is robust but reactive, but also welcoming while balancing the right to protest with the rights of our communities.
“All of our work is underpinned by human rights and a great deal of effort has been taken to ensure our response to COP26-related incidents and events is necessary and proportionate, and that our ethos and values of integrity, fairness and respect is shared by both our own officers and our mutual aid colleagues who have travelled to Scotland from across the UK to support us.
“This event has already provided us with some unique challenges, but our officers and staff have risen to face them, and the broadly good nature of the members of the public we are interacting with has made this a widely positive experience.
“I very much hope this atmosphere continues into the second week ahead of COP26 coming to its conclusion next weekend.”
Sarah PeddieToday, 02:00
BOGS BLAST
VIRUS expert Professor Hugh Pennington last night branded COP26’s energy- saving eco loos with no hot water for handwashing “a load of b******s”.
The top microbiologist blasted conference bosses over their decision to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions by providing only cold taps.
And he warned the move could discourage the gathering’s 30,000 global dignitaries from scrubbing long enough to kill germs.
It comes amid fears that the numbers congregating at Glasgow’s SEC for the event — plus tens of thousands protesting in the streets — could lead to a surge in bug rates.
Speaking at the end of the summit’s first week, the Aberdeen Uni academic said: “Saving the planet by having cold water? What a load of b******s. We have hot water for good reasons. It’s a rather silly argument to have cold water because of climate change.
“It seems like a demonstration that something is being done, rather than it making much difference.
“They could have put a notice up saying, ‘Be careful when washing your hands because the heating of the water will generate some CO2’.
“But turning the hot water off is not a good idea, particularly in a Covid time because clearly there’s so much emphasis on handwashing as a control of infection measure.”
Read more here.
Sarah PeddieToday, 01:00
SUNDAY PROTESTS
CLIMATE protesters bring Glasgow to a halt as they march through the city centre.
Eco warriors are out in masses this afternoon as they take over the streets of Glasgow during today’s rest day for delegates during COP26.
Protesters have been spotted along West regent Street and Renfield Street, and look to be travelling along Bath Street.
There is also a heavy presence outside Central train station.
People are spotted carrying massive banners and flags as they make their way through the city.
Read more here.
Sarah PeddieToday, 00:01
STURGEON TO PUSH FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE IN LAST WEEK OF COP26
Scotland’s First Minister will use the last week of COP26 to push for climate justice and aid for those in the global south.
The importance of indigenous people has been thrust to the front of the climate summit in Glasgow, with such communities leading climate marches through the city over the weekend.
Today, Nicola Sturgeon will meet faith leaders from around the world, to discuss the role of religion in bringing communities together to tackle climate issues.
She will then take part in a presentation with representatives of Malawi and Tanzania as part of a series of talks co-hosted by the Scottish Government.
Ms Sturgeon will then meet leaders from islands and regions throughout the rest of the week, as the summit reaches its close.
“Some progress was made last week with commitments on forestry, methane, coal, and pledges that, if delivered, could reduce the gap between the 1.5C target that science says we must hit, and the 2.7C trajectory we are currently on, but there is still a long way to go to deliver a fair and just outcome for all countries at Cop26,” she said ahead of the meetings.
“The next five days are critical to countries in the south who need fair financial support now to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of the climate emergency and who need to see clear steps taken to keep the target of capping temperature increases at 1.5C alive.”
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 23:00
GLASGOW PARKS SPOTLESS
GLASGOW parks were left immaculate after 100,000 protesters marched through the city for a climate change demo.
The eco-warriors congregated in George Square, Glasgow Green and Kelvingrove Park in the city’s west end as COP26 continues into its second week.
Crowds paraded through George Square and several Glasgow parks as part of the climate march.
The morning after the massive protest revealed that all of Glasgow’s parks and George Square were left spotless in the aftermath.
Council workers were spotted cleaning up in George Square this morning while bins were emptied while rally spots Kelvingrove Park and Glasgow Green were left looking immaculate.
Both Glasgow City Council and the organisers of the demo, the COP26 coalition planned the clean-up effort, as council workers and activists worked in the aftermath of the massive march.
Read more here.
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 22:30
VOLUNTEERS TRYING TO SELL UNIFORMS ON EBAY SPARKS CLIMATE SUMMIT SECURITY FEARS
Volunteers have sparked security concerns after trying to flog their uniforms on eBay for just £10.
Branded jackets, polo shirts, backpacks, face masks and bobble hats have been listed by sellers in Clydebank and Edinburgh.
But sources fear the distinctive kit could be used to get close to visiting delegates at the UN climate summit.
One said: “It would not be impossible for somebody to sneak in past the cordons to where they are not supposed to be.
“Security are meant to be checking passes on lanyards but it’s been so busy people are being let straight through if they have the right clothing on.”
Read more here.
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 21:06
FORMER US PRESIDENT LANDS IN GLASGOW
BARACK Obama has touched down in Glasgow Airport ahead of his visit to COP26.
The former Commander-in-Chief is expected to meet with young activists to highlight the work they are doing to tackle climate change.
It’s understood Mr Obama will also detail progress that has been made since the Paris Agreement to tackle global warming was signed at COP21 in 2015.
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 20:10
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES ALMOST £300 MILLION FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE
THE UK Government has announced plans to invest almost £300 million helping the most vulnerable countries fight the impact of climate change.
On adaptation, loss and damage day at Cop26, International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will convene a ministerial session at the Glasgow summit.
Ministers from at least 26 countries and regions, including the US and the European Commission, will attend the meeting, where Ms Trevelyan, the UK Government’s champion for adaptation and resilience at Cop26, will urge countries to do more to support developing countries, while announcing a financial pledge from Westminster.
Some £274 million will be invested in Asia and the Pacific region to help communities better prepare for the impact of climate change, while a £15 million adaptation fund for developing countries will be created and £1 million will support the humanitarian response to climate change.
Ahead of the event, Ms Trevelyan said: “We must act now to stop climate change from pushing more people into poverty.
“We know that climate impacts disproportionately affect those already most vulnerable.
“We are aiming for significant change that will ultimately contribute to sustainable development and a climate-resilient future for all, with no-one left behind.”
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 19:30
COPS LOOK AHEAD TO SECOND WEEK OF COP26
As COP26 arrives at its half way point, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie looks ahead to the second week while praising both protesters and police.
ACC Ritchie said: “For such a highly significant event, to reach the end of the first week with fewer than 50 arrests being made is testament to the fact the relationship between protesters and the police has been largely non-contentious.
“Despite today being a rest day at the conference, Police Scotland has, once again, engaged positively with protest organisers and attendees at a number of events across Glasgow, with minimum disruption to the wider community.
“As you’ll no doubt know, Police Scotland has spent more than 18 months preparing for COP26, and a great deal of effort has gone into ensuring our policing plan is robust but reactive, but also welcoming while balancing the right to protest with the rights of our communities.
“All of our work is underpinned by human rights and a great deal of effort has been taken to ensure our response to COP26-related incidents and events is necessary and proportionate, and that our ethos and values of integrity, fairness and respect is shared by both our own officers and our mutual aid colleagues who have travelled to Scotland from across the UK to support us.
“This event has already provided us with some unique challenges, but our officers and staff have risen to face them, and the broadly good nature of the members of the public we are interacting with has made this a widely positive experience.
“I very much hope this atmosphere continues into the second week ahead of COP26 coming to its conclusion next weekend.”
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 19:00
COP26 OUTCOME ‘REMAINS TO BE SEEN’, SAYS SINGER AND CAMPAIGNER ANNIE LENNOX
Singer Annie Lennox has said she is “proud” that the Cop26 climate change summit is taking place in Glasgow – but warned that the outcome “remains to be seen”.
The musician, who was one half of Eurythmics in the 1980s before finding solo success, said if nations such as India and China “do not get on board” with action on climate change the world could be “in real jeopardy”.
And she issued a plea for world leaders to “walk the talk” when it comes to tackling global warming.
Lennox, who is Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “Being around Cop26, everyone is focused on climate change but afterwards, when everyone leaves, one has to walk one’s talk.
“If large countries such as India and China do not get on board and really genuinely try to reduce their emissions, we are in real jeopardy.”
She added: “I am very proud it’s taking place in Scotland but I really have this terrible sense of dread.
“The latest UN report says we are missing the opportunity to build back better after the pandemic and, if we don’t, we face disastrous temperature rises of at least 2.7C if countries fail to meet their climate goals.
“That is really sobering. Cop26 is not about the talk – it’s about meeting the pledges, so the outcome remains to be seen.”
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 18:30
NOTHING LIKE ENOUGH PROGRESS’ AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING, EXPERT ADVISER WARNS
A much bigger push is needed from countries across the globe if the goal of keeping temperature rises to 1.5C is to be achieved, a leading expert has warned.
Peter Betts, who for years was the UK and EU lead negotiator in UN climate agreements, said it is “reasonably likely” that sufficient action will be taken to limit global temperatures rises to below 2C.
But with the Paris Agreement from 2015 having set out to limit global warming “preferably to 1.5C” compared with pre-industrial levels, he said action from counties such as China and India is critical.
Mr Betts was speaking halfway through the Cop26 summit, which is currently taking place in Glasgow.
He travelled to Scotland for the huge UN event, but is now isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, although he insisted there have been “relatively few cases” so far.
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 18:15
SUNDAY PROTESTS
CLIMATE protesters bring Glasgow to a halt as they march through the city centre.
Eco warriors are out in masses this afternoon as they take over the streets of Glasgow during today’s rest day for delegates during COP26.
Protesters have been spotted along West regent Street and Renfield Street, and look to be travelling along Bath Street.
There is also a heavy presence outside Central train station.
People are spotted carrying massive banners and flags as they make their way through the city.
Read more here.
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 18:00
SCOTS LEFT BAFFLED BY ECO WARRIOR
SCOTS have been left baffled after spotting a climate activist crawling on his hands and knees – dressed as a TREE.
The eco warrior was spotted branching out his form of protest, dressed in all black with a sapling strapped to his back.
Baffled Glaswegians seemed to be amused by the bizarre activist as he crawled through the rain on Buchanan Street.
The video was posted to TikTok and more people reacted to the baffling footage.
Read more here.
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 17:30
22 ARRESTED AS GLASGOW CLIMATE CHNAGE MARCH SEES 100,000 FLOOD CITY CENTRE
Over 20 people have been arrested as Glasgow climate change marches sees around 100,000 protesters flooded the city centre yesterday.
A total of 22 arrests were made as thousands of climate activists descended on the city yesterday afternoon for a Climate March.
Protesters also allegedly chained themselves together to block The King George V Bridge in Glasgow yesterday afternoon which sparked travel chaos.
The bridge was blocked off amid claims climate change activists sat along the road to stop access for pedestrians and motors.
Cops described the Climate March as one of the largest protests Glasgow has hosted that “many of us can ever remember” as thousands of people “from across the world” flocked to the city centre to participate in it.
Police Scotland announced they were “pleased” that the event went largely without incident, praising the procession for being “generally good natured”.
However one person was arrested following the end of the march.
The remaining 21 arrests came from the incident at The King George V Bridge.
Read more here.
Sarah Peddie7th Nov 2021, 17:00
REST DAY TODAY AT COP26
After a busy week at the UN climate summit, today is a rest day for world leaders and delegates.
Here’s a recap on the last week.
On Monday November 1 and Tuesday November 2, it was a two-day welcoming to the heads of state as they put forward their ambitions and proposals for securing net zero carbon emissions and how they plan to keep the 1.5C temperature increase target within reach.
On Wednesday November 3, the focus was on finance and mobilising public and private finance flows at scale for mitigation and adaptation.
On Thursday November 4, delegates looked towards energy and how they could speed up the process for the global transition to clean energy.
Friday November 5 attentions were drawn to Youth and public empowerment. This involved demonstrating the importance of the role of public empowerment and education in climate action.
Yesterday the focus shifted to nature as delegates discussed how the importance of nature and sustainable land use are part of global action on climate change.
Paige Beresford7th Nov 2021, 16:30
‘NOTHING LIKE ENOUGH PROGRESS’ AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING, EXPERT ADVISER WARNS
A much bigger push is needed from countries across the globe if the goal of keeping temperature rises to 1.5C is to be achieved, a leading expert has warned.
Peter Betts, who for years was the UK and EU lead negotiator in UN climate agreements, said it is “reasonably likely” that sufficient action will be taken to limit global temperatures rises to below 2C.
But with the Paris Agreement from 2015 having set out to limit global warming “preferably to 1.5C” compared with pre-industrial levels, he said action from counties such as China and India is critical.
Mr Betts was speaking halfway through the Cop26 summit, which is currently taking place in Glasgow.
He travelled to Scotland for the huge UN event, but is now isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, although he insisted there have been “relatively few cases” so far.
Speaking about progress made so far, Mr Betts told BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show: “This is not going to be the meeting that solves the climate problem in a single bite.
“The truth is we have made significant progress on tackling climate change and we will have made more at this meeting, but it is just nothing like enough, so we are going to need to accelerate.”
Paige Beresford7th Nov 2021, 16:00
THE CHASE STAR ‘THE BEAST’ PICTURED IN GLASGOW AS HE POSED WITH COPS DURING COP26
ITV’s star chaser ‘The Beast’ has been spotted in Glasgow during COP26.
Quiz giant Mark Labbett stopped for a snap with two cops at Central Station as her arrived on the fifth day of the climate summit.
The British Transport Police shared a pic of the brainbox behemoth to their Twitter account.
The force wrote: “2 officers on our team at Glasgow managed to get a pic with The Beast whilst we were patrolling the station.”
Labbett, whose chaser nickname is ‘The Beast’ on the show, has been part of the show for 12 years – since it first aired in 2009.
Read more here.
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