The Glasgow Climate Pact, signed at COP26, was a step forward in our effort to tackle climate change. But there are serious concerns that it is not enough. While the Glasgow Climate Pact gives guidelines on how we tackle climate change, it’s not legally binding.

A clear sign that we are not moving fast enough is that COP26 aimed to ‘keep 1.5ᵒC alive’, to minimise a rise in global temperatures. In 2023, just two years later, 1.5ᵒC has already been breached. More needs to be done.

Slow progress is not a new problem. The friction between countries on a global stage has always been a barrier to progress. That’s why there is a growing consensus that climate action has to be driven by towns and cities at a local level. The place management industry has every incentive to lead on this.

Not only are our towns and cities exposed to extreme weather events which are taking a toll on the business community in areas hit by repeated storms and flooding, but there are also a number of co-benefits to climate action which can bring economic growth. Furthermore, as outlined in our ground breaking virtual event ‘Divided We Fall’ there needs to be the type of coordinated approach that necessitates the involvement of place management.

Following the legacy of COP26, Summer School 2024 will take place in Glasgow with a range of keynote sessions, workshops, study tours and panel debates. We will explore a number of issues crucial to local climate action including recovering from extreme weather, business engagement on sustainability, the 15 minute city, and the impact of net zero on regeneration. We will use an amended format to deliver more interactive workshops and panel debate to allow members to share best practice.