Consumers Call for Action at COP26

The  2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), 31 October -12 November, offers a unique opportunity to step up international ambition on climate change. We need global, concrete and measurable commitments from governments, and bold roadmaps from every sector of the global economy to drive the climate transformation.

Consumers International, a co-lead of the Consumer Information Programme, has put together a series of cross-cutting demands, together with their global membership of consumer advocacy organisations. For the world to reach net zero, consumers everywhere will have to make fundamental changes to how we travel, heat, cool and power our homes, the food we eat, the products we buy and how we save and spend. Consumers are therefore key to ensuring the promises made in Glasgow become reality.

Watch the video address

The behavioural shifts needed from consumers for the world to reach net zero will be impossible without a significant transformation of the marketplace as a whole. To secure consumer buy-in and action, it is important the regulatory environment supports consumers to make behavioural changes. Additional protections for poor and vulnerable consumers are needed to ensure a climate transition that is fair and inclusive for all. And bringing consumer advocates into climate policy-making can help guarantee the political sustainability of rapid action.  

Read 3 calls for action to make a fast, fair and accountable transition a reality

To help governments and other stakeholders address the challenge of behaviour change, Consumers International has produced a report setting out the recommended approach of global consumer advocacy. The report is a synthesis of actions and ideas from their membership of over 200 consumer advocacy organisations, who represent consumers in countries at different stages of economic development, but are united in their view of consumer rights and responsibilities in a safe, fair and sustainable marketplace for all. It is also an invitation to all marketplace stakeholders to connect, learn and build together. 

Read report: Consumers and the Climate Crisis: The key to unlocking behaviour change