Five years on from hosting the world’s largest climate summit, Glasgow is continuing to demonstrate how a city can turn global ambition into meaningful local action.
That is the finding from a new report from Glasgow Chamber of Commerce which highlights how the city’s business community has embraced the responsibility and opportunity that came with hosting COP26.
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.
The report outlines how Glasgow has evolved from being the host of a major international summit into a recognised centre for practical climate leadership, creating new green skills opportunities, supporting businesses to cut emissions, attracting international partnerships and strengthening the city’s reputation as a leader in the circular economy.
Since its inaugural conference in 2023, Congress of Business has engaged over 1,410 individuals, while programmes such as Circular Glasgow and Step Up to Net Zero have supported organisations to embed sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations.
The report also highlights Glasgow’s growing influence on the international stage, including 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.
Alongside business transformation, the legacy of COP26 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 build the skills pipeline needed for Scotland’s transition to net zero.
Alison McRae, Senior Director of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Hosting COP26 brought the eyes of the world to Glasgow, but what matters most is what the city has done since.
“This report demonstrates that Glasgow has taken its role as a host city seriously. Businesses across the city have continued to show leadership, turning climate ambition into practical action that is supporting jobs, investment, innovation and long-term resilience.
“The announcement that resilient cities will be a central focus of COP31 underlines just how important the work of cities like Glasgow has become. As we reflect on our legacy since hosting COP26, it is clear that urban leadership, resilience and partnership will remain critical to delivering meaningful climate action in the years ahead.
“We are proud that Glasgow’s COP26 legacy is not defined by a single event, but by the partnerships, ideas and opportunities that continue to grow from it. The city has shown what can be achieved when businesses, civic leaders and communities work together with a shared sense of purpose.”
The report also points to Glasgow’s continued ambition through initiatives such as Glasgow Climate Week and the annual Congress of Business, both established to maintain momentum between global climate summits and ensure climate action remains closely linked to economic opportunity.
Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “COP26 was a defining moment for Glasgow, an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our city and its assets and talents to the world – and to attract the investment capable of delivering a clean, green and prosperous future.
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“For our business community here in Glasgow, it made clear the economic benefits of Net Zero and for pushing forward with climate action.
“Five years on and while our world feels to many like an increasingly uncertain place, Glasgow continues to leave its mark on the global climate agenda, a city synonymous with the positivity surrounding the push for a safer and fairer planet.
