iStockPoliticians from across the world are to travel to Rome to discuss key challenges and priorities ahead of COP26.
The two-day event will see parliamentarians speak about a range of climate issues.
It will also include an audience with the Pope on Saturday.
SNP MP Chris Law is one of three UK delegates attending, and is the sole Scottish representative.
The Pre-COP26 Parliamentary Meeting is targeted at parliamentarians affiliated with climate and environment-related committees.
It will include representatives from the Italian Chamber of Deputies, the United Nations, and MPs of the Environment Committees of the invited Parliaments, amongst others.
The event aims to help advance parliamentary action on climate change at national, regional and international levels, in the context of COP26.
Preparations have been under-way in Glasgow ahead of the UN summit, which begins on October 31.
Ahead of the visit to Rome, Law outlined the need for higher incomes countries to take responsibility in tackling climate change and reducing emissions.
“Collaboration is crucial if we are to effectively tackle the climate crisis facing us,” he said.
“This pre-COP26 global parliamentarians meeting will be a vital step towards strengthening international links and seeking to build a common approach.
“It is vital that as we build towards COP26, higher income countries step up and take responsibility, given they have benefitted the most from the use of fossil fuels and also due to the fact that the least developed countries are most vulnerable to the worst effects of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions.
“I look forward to meeting and working with fellow parliamentarians from around the world in Rome to discuss key priorities, including a just transition, climate justice, a green recovery from the Covid pandemic, and how best to achieve COP26 goals.”
Law explained the UN summit represents the “world’s best chance” of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
He continued: “The climate crisis is a global crisis – it does not recognise borders. It can only be effectively tackled if nations, Governments and Parliaments all work together towards a common goal.
“COP26 is set to be one of the most important events in the calendar – with the negotiations offering a unique opportunity for Scotland to showcase its leadership on climate action on the international stage.
“Importantly, it also represents the world’s best chance – and possibly one of our last chances – to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.”
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