Park Talk: COP26 reflections
Park Talk: COP26 reflections
Grant Moir, Chief Executive, CNPA
Going to Glasgow for COP26 was in equal parts inspiring, crazy and worrying. I was in the blue zone speaking at the Cryosphere Pavilion on the future of snow in the Cairngorms and the implications for the National Park. The next day I spoke about using private finance to fund nature-based solutions, including things like peatland restoration, woodland expansion or river restoration as part of the work of UK National Parks.
It was great to see how these events work. There were thousands of people walking purposefully (all in masks) and lots of great conversations and discussions. The glaciologist that I got talking with gave a presentation that really did cut me to the quick. Even if we meet our commitments to hold temperatures to 1.5oC above pre-industrial levels, 60% of glacier mass will be lost and 15cm of sea level rise is inevitable. And that does not take into account the predicted melting from Antarctica and Greenland. The scenarios for above 2oC are terrifying.
So what did I take away from the conference?
Firstly, it is not too late. However, the changes that we have to make are structural and will affect us all. It is not a case of recycling and turning the thermostat down (good things though they are). It is about fundamentally changing transport, energy, housing and land use. The year 2030 is fast becoming the critical date by which we must have made significant progress.
Secondly, it is about a just transition. It must be fair for those countries, mainly in the global south, that are most affected by climate change but have emitted the least carbon. It must also be fair within countries, so that the burden does not fall on those that can least afford a Tesla or a ground source heat pump.
Thirdly, there can be no more debates. We have to cut emissions if we are going to pass on a safe planet to our children and grandchildren. It is not going to be easy, but doing this work will create opportunities for jobs in a future green economy. For instance, if we are going to restore all the degraded peatland in Scotland, we will need thousands of people working on this for years to come.
I thought about making this article less stark and talking about all the positive things that are happening, but we have to be honest and say that we need to do much more.
The Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan is out for consultation right now. It represents the most ambitious set of targets we’ve ever compiled but, having been to COP, I’m more convinced than ever that now is the time to step up to the plate as a Park and as a society, to actually reduce our emissions and restore nature.
I realise that as a call to action ‘please send in your views to a consultation’ isn’t up there with ‘save the polar bears’, but we need to hear your views on the key issues that you want to be tackled in the Park. Visit cairngormsviews.co.uk for more information and to take part.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is committed to tackling the twin climate and nature crisis and all of us within the Park need to work together on these most critical of issues. Our future depends on it.
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Ongoing wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire south of Aviemore.
Historic bridge in Nethy replaced after years of community effort
New bridge over Allt Mòr Burn officially opens
Endangered ant queen found in Royal Deeside
An exciting discovery in Royal Deeside is being hailed as a milestone in the recovery of a critically endangered species.
Relevant alerts
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Update - 21:55
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that emergency services continue to tackle a large-scale wildfire covering more than two kilometres in width near to Glenmore.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution due to the close proximity to the incident.
As of 9pm on Wednesday night (15 July), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, specialist resources and tactical commanders mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 12 noon earlier today.
Firefighters are working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks, with high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of trees and woodland. There are no reported casualties.
Road closures continue to be in place to support the emergency response, and people are asked to avoid the area within Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich on Thursday, 16 July as this incident continues.
We will share updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, our thanks go out to the emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff and many others from across the community who are working non-stop to get these fires under control, and providing support to those affected.
Update - 20:06
Emergency services and partners are continuing to respond to this wildfire. A number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution. The Ski Road is currently closed. Anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know when they have returned.
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.
Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice. If you are aware of someone hiking in the area, please ask them to get themselves safely off the hill as soon as possible.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has asked that people avoid the Glenmore and Aviemore area, and remain vigilant. Our thanks go to all those engaged in active firefighting - we will post further updates when we have them.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 20 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Monday 20 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.