Thousands of people from around the world have volunteered for the Cop26 international climate summit, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/europe/uk-government-denies-reports-it-could-delay-cop26-1.1194942">due to take place in Scotland this year.</a> About 10,000 people from 98 countries hope to help out at the UN-backed event in Glasgow, despite only 1,000 places being available. The talks are described as the most significant international meeting on climate change since the Paris Agreement in 2015. US climate change envoy John Kerry said the event was the world's "last best chance" of avoiding climate-related catastrophe. Many global leaders are expected to attend the summit, which was postponed last November due to coronavirus. It is being held at Glasgow's SEC from November 1 to 12 and has attracted 10,011 applicants to volunteer – more than 10 times the places available. More than 70 per cent of applications were from Glasgow and the surrounding area, with Scotland providing 80 per cent of applicants. People from around the globe also applied, with applications received from 98 countries, including Australia and India. A third of those applying are under 25, but age proved no barrier to those keen to assist, with the oldest applicants aged 84. Applications closed on March 31 and organisers are now undertaking the selection process before offering the roles. Those chosen will provide information on the conference and the venue, support delegates staying in and travelling around the city and promote the best of what Glasgow and Scotland have to offer. Ahead of the summit, volunteers will attend a UN workshop on sustainability and be given training. Glasgow City Council's Cop26 volunteer manager, Claire Shiel, said it was "incredibly encouraging to see" the level of response.<br/> "Volunteers bring an unrivalled spirit and warmth to any major event and, in return, have the chance to represent the city and have a truly unique experience," she said. “We are looking forward to welcoming a diverse and passionate team on board and are grateful to everyone who expressed an interest. “From the figures, we can see that Covid has not diminished people’s spirit or strength of feeling around volunteering, and this is extremely heartening for the sector as a whole," said Ms Shiel “It’s amazing what can be achieved together through volunteering and, although we do not have roles for everyone who applied, we know there are many organisations across Glasgow and beyond who are looking for volunteers and will be delighted to see this enthusiasm.”
