Sarah Sheehy, Technical Consultant at TNEIhas been selected to volunteer atthe 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties(COP26)in Glasgow on 31 October “ 12 November 2021.
In the lead up to the conference we asked Sarah a few questions on her role at TNEI in helping the UK achieve Net Zeroand what she is most looking forward toat the event.
Where is your favourite place in Glasgow?
For the last year it has been theparks and walkways. Glasgow has a lot of green space for a large city. I have walked many, many miles along the Forth and Clyde canal over the last year. I’ve enjoyed it in every season! Even when I fell over in the snow.
What is your favourite Glaswegian saying?
Let’s go with “the boke” “ when something gives you that feeling like you’ll be sick, it gives you the boke. It was completely new to me when I first moved to Glasgow, and I have not come across an equivalent!
What do you love about Glasgow?
How friendly it is. I felt at home very quicklywhen I first moved here.
What do you think is the biggest challenge we face in fighting climate change?
I think it is the scale and pace at which changes need to be made. Action is needed now.
Who is your eco hero?
David Attenborough.
What steps have you taken personally to fight climate change?”¯
I am trying to make more sustainable choicesin what I buy, eat and how I travel, for example reducing the amount of singleuse plastics, commuting viawalking orpublic transport etc. I have been vegetarian for over 15 years, andI have recently started toeat more vegan meals,andalsobuy seasonal and local groceries when possible.
Why is COP26 so important?”¯”¯
COP26 comes at a critical time fortacklingthe climateemergency-it was widely accepted that 2020(when COP26 was originally planned to take place)was the critical point fortaking action to limit globalwarming. The eventhas been unavoidablydelayed, and therefore the urgency with which agreements and actions need to be taken is even more pressing.
It is also a time that the international community are looking at recovery followingthe Covid19 pandemic, and there is the opportunity for a “green recovery” “ ensuring this is achieved in line with climate needs.
Why is Glasgow the”¯ideal”¯host city for COP26?”¯
The UK,Scotland in particular, hasaninnovative industrial history and has recently shown that same innovative approach in working to lead the way in therenewable revolution.We have ambition, and,by developing the right combination skills and resources,we are readyto progress.
What made you sign up to be a volunteer at COP26?”¯
Ilove Glasgow,feel passionately about the need for international agreement and action to limit the impacts of climate change,and Iwant to see a successfulconference,so I was very happy to be able to volunteer my time tohelp outin a smallway.
What is your role as a volunteer at COP26?”¯
I am going to be a member of the travel hub team, helping attendees and the public navigate the city and make the most out of the events.
What has changed since COP25?”¯
A lot has changed!
What outcomes would you like to see from”¯COP26?”¯
Ambitionand action. It is looking likelythat initial pledges following the Paris Agreement will fall short of the emissions reductions required.
What is TNEI’s climate challenge?”¯
We havechallengesas a business in the sector we work in,but also withinour business, andthen across our teams.
We work in an industry that is leading the way in powering the future. We work to deliver renewables projects and to support the network transition to net-zero. In addition to this, we areconsidering other contributionsthatwe can make as a company.
A number ofour team are also taking part in our internal COP26 challenge, where we are seeing how far we can walk, run, cycle(and even rollerblade!),before the start of the conference in November. For every time we complete the distance from Madrid(COP25)to Glasgow(COP26),TNEIhave committed to purchasing land from theWorld Land Trust. We have already completed the distance onceand bought our first5acres of woodland!
What is your role in helping TNEI respond to climate change?
I work in Networks and Innovation at TNEI,as part of theData Science team.My background is in power and energy systems modelling,with a mix of statistics and engineering.Joining TNEI has given me the opportunity to put those skills to use in developing and delivering innovative solutions for a range of clients in therenewableenergy sectorin thetransition to net-zero, and this willplay a huge role inlimiting the impact ofclimate change.
What is TNEI actively doing to help achieve Net-Zero?
TNEI has a Climate Action Group who meetmonthlyto put measuresin place to reduce our impact on Climate Change and help achieve Net-Zero.For example, we are looking at ways to reduce our emissions andbuying sustainable products such asfood or consumables we order.
I’vebeen a member of TNEI’s Climate Action Group since I joined in February. My role in the group has been to support the recording reporting of our emissions so that we cancollectivelywork to reduce them across the business.
Describe TNEIin one word:
Progressive.
Are you volunteering at the COP26 event? We would love to hear from you. Please get in touchto find out more or if you want to get involved with any of our initiatives ahead of COP26, we would love to chat.
