David Attenborough named COP26 People’s Advocate

London - Key global green summit to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in November

Legendary broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough has been named as the COP26 People’s Advocate for the forthcoming key summit in Glasgow in November, when leading figures from various countries, including the UAE, are expected to accelerate action on climate change.

Attenborough, who turned 95 on Saturday (May 8), will address world leaders and the public ahead of the summit and at Glasgow, officials said. He will remain in the role during the UK’s presidency of the United Nations (UN) summit.

COP (‘Conference of the Parties’) refers to the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At the 26th annual session in Glasgow, delegates including heads of state, climate experts, and negotiators are due to come together to agree on coordinated action to tackle climate change.

Attenborough will put forward what officials called a “compelling case” to global leaders, key decision-makers, and the public for why climate action matters, to evidence the progress underway, and to highlight the actions they will need to take ahead of and at COP26.

He will address world leaders at major international events over the next six months, including the G-7 Summit in Cornwall in June, to firmly put climate and the protection of nature at the top of their agenda. He has also been invited to address world leaders and the public at the Glasgow summit.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Sir David Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the UK and around the world with his passion and knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations”.

“There is no better person to build momentum for further change as we approach the COP26 climate summit in November. I am hugely grateful to Sir David for agreeing to be our People’s Advocate,” he added.