Scots urged to open homes to climate campaigners visiting Glasgow for COP26
Flick Monk, a newcomer to Glasgow who campaigns on climate change with Friends of the Earth, has signed up to host over COP26 | Photo by Andrew Cuthbertson
The COP26 Homestay Network seeking to host people from across the world as they visit Glasgow for the UN climate conference in November.
The network will enable hosts from across the central belt of Scotland to give a welcome to visiting climate change campaigners, scientists, and NGOs.
This project is a collaboration between non-profit organisations seeking to provide affordable accommodation for COP26.
From 1-12 November, climate change campaigners, scientists, and non-governmental organisations from around the UK and abroad will meet in Glasgow alongside the climate conference. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, and the COP26 Coalition are calling on local people to open their homes to host visitors through a new home sharing service: the COP26 Homestay Network.
While state representatives negotiate rules for addressing and monitoring their progress on climate change, there will be a range of events taking place all over the city that will be open to the public – to learn, share information, and discuss policy solutions to climate change.
This is a chance for locals to get involved in the climate movement and share a warm Scottish welcome with people from many different walks of life: from indigenous communities on the frontlines of climate change, to NGO practitioners and campaigners.
At any COP climate conference, accommodation in the city is always expensive and quickly booked up. This is a significant obstacle for the people and groups with fewer resources that need to mobilise around the conference.
Kat Jones, COP26 Project Manager at Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said:
“We want to enable visitors to experience the friendliness of Glasgow through the COP26 Homestay Network.
“In the depths of a cold dark November, we are creating a warm welcome for global civil society when they come to COP26.
“By signing up to host a participant, local people will have a direct connection with this key climate conference, through supporting guests who would otherwise find it unaffordable to come here.”
Rosemary James-Beith, a researcher and project manager from Glasgow, has signed up to act as a host. She said:
“Hosting COP26 is a watershed moment for Scotland and Glasgow. All eyes will be on us. I want to ensure I do anything I can to support the visitors to the city who will be taking part this Autumn.
“When I found out about the COP26 Homestay Network, I was really excited that it offered a really simple and easy way to get involved, connect with the climate cause, and do my part.”
Another host is Martin Johnstone from the Southside of Glasgow, who works for Glasgow Churches Together. Martin said:
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming people to this wonderful city and to our home, especially people who couldn’t possibly afford to come to Glasgow this November.
“Glasgow is such a wonderfully welcoming city. The COP26 Homestay Network gives us all the chance to play our part in welcoming the world to Glasgow, as together we strive for climate justice.”
To sign up to host a guest via the COP26 Homestay Network, hosts should live in the central belt of Scotland, have a spare bedroom or sofa bed on offer, and be able to provide information and photos.
To sign up as a host and find further information, visit: humanhotel.com/cop26