15 Jul 2026
By Alison McRae, Senior Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
The recent London Climate Action Week brought together governments, businesses and communities to explore how we can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future. It is one of a growing number of climate-focused events taking place in cities around the world, reflecting both the urgency of the challenge and the increasingly important role that cities play in delivering solutions.
From developing new technologies that support a low-carbon energy system, to retrofitting historic buildings and electrifying public transport networks, many of the practical changes needed to reach a zero-carbon economy will be designed, tested and delivered in urban centres.
It is a reality that can sometimes be overlooked amid global debates and national targets. Yet if we are serious about creating a sustainable future, cities must be at the forefront of that journey.
Glasgow is uniquely placed to understand this responsibility. Few cities have been as closely associated with the climate agenda in recent years as Scotland's largest city, following its role as host of COP26 in 2021.
Cities that host a COP summit inherit a special responsibility. Whether it was the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement or the Glasgow Climate Pact, the agreements forged at these conferences help shape the next chapter of global climate action.
For the host city, they represent both an opportunity and an obligation: an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and an obligation to help turn ambition into reality.
The Glasgow Climate Pact was notable not only for its focus on emissions reduction and climate science, but also for recognising the critical role of business, investment, innovation and cities themselves in driving the transition. If Glasgow is to honour the agreement that bears its name, it must continue to demonstrate leadership across all of these areas.
A new report published by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce highlights some of the progress made since COP26 and charts the city's evolution from summit host to recognised centre of practical climate leadership. It details how Glasgow has supported businesses to reduce emissions, created new opportunities in green skills, attracted international partnerships and strengthened its reputation as a leader in the circular economy.
The report also showcases Glasgow's growing influence on the international stage. Trade missions focused on green hydrogen, partnerships with cities including Milan and London, and collaboration with the Sustainable Markets Initiative founded by King Charles III all demonstrate how the city is increasingly helping to shape conversations beyond Scotland's borders.
Importantly, the legacy of COP26 is not confined to boardrooms or policy discussions. It is also being felt by the next generation. Initiatives such as My Climate Path, Climate Heroes and COB Futures have connected thousands of young people with emerging opportunities in the green economy, helping to build the skills and talent pipeline that Scotland will need to deliver a successful transition.
There are encouraging signs that businesses are responding too. Recent data gathered through Congress of Business (COB) – created and delivered by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the British Chambers of Commerce network, and supported by University of Glasgow and E.ON – found nearly half (42%) of business leaders are investing more in sustainability than they were a year ago. A further 54% are maintaining existing levels of investment and just 4% reported reduced spending on sustainability initiatives.
There is clearly a business appetite for change and to deliver this at pace.
That matters because the transition is not simply an environmental imperative; it is increasingly an economic one. Businesses that invest in sustainability are often investing in innovation, competitiveness and long-term resilience at the same time.
Recent volatility in global energy markets has reinforced the importance of energy security and resilience. Organisations that have invested in energy efficiency and sustainable practices are frequently better-placed to navigate rising costs and economic uncertainty.
Glasgow has demonstrated that meaningful climate action is built through partnerships between business, government, educators and communities. It is built through investment in people and skills and through innovation, international collaboration and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
Perhaps most importantly, Glasgow's story demonstrates that the journey to sustainability is not solely about meeting environmental targets. It is about creating a more resilient economy, attracting investment, supporting good jobs and ensuring future generations can thrive in a changing world.
That transition in mindset was front and centre during London Climate Week – for Glasgow it has been a core part of why we have been a leader in this space.
If cities are where the world's climate ambitions become reality, then Glasgow has shown how those ambitions can be translated into practical action. The task now is to build on that momentum and ensure that the legacy of COP26 continues to deliver benefits not just for Glasgow, but for Scotland and beyond.
Published at Glasgow Chamber's Congress of Business 2026, Glasgow’s COP26 Legacy: A Business Perspective showcases the progress made since 2021, with businesses, educators, public bodies and community partners working together to accelerate climate action across the city and wider region.
This article was first published in the Herald on 15 July 2026.
