John Bynorth Interview: Understanding EPS And COP26
By Declan Miller, Lorna Mcnay, Beth Mackay and Elizabeth Turner
With us having a big interest in what the leading climate organisations’ opinions are, we got in contact with John Bynorth, the Policy & Communications Officer of EPS (Environment Protection Scotland), who told us about his organisation and also his personal opinions on COP26.
EPS originally came from the EPUK (Enviromental Protection United Kingdom), which is an organisation that can be traced all the way back to the 19th century, when we started to see signs that our planet was getting warmer. Although, EPS is only around 8 years old.
EPS’s Aims
EPS focuses on a few types of pollution, one of the main ones is air pollution. They bring attention towards these issues through events like Clean Air Day, which started small, however, was made larger by the internet during lockdown. This event encourages people to be more aware of the impact of air pollution and to use alternative methods of transport (walking and cycling). Events such as these continue to make more and more people aware of the damage we are doing to the environment, and even give advice regarding climate change and pollution. One piece of advice we found quite surprising was that if you walk down a side street instead of a main road, you can inhale 20% to 30% less pollution into your lungs.
John On COP26
When asked on his opinion of COP26, John stated that until the event was finished, he can’t comment on if it’s successful. Throughout, John made some solid points on COP. He mentioned about many smaller countries who are faced with the climate crisis not having a voice in the talks, but on the other hand lots of other small countries did have a say this year. Another good point that was raised is that the event is extremely eye opening for the people of Glasgow, as it highlights the climate crisis and that the solutions need to be enforced.
Advice For Young People
When asked if what young people can do, John told us that the best way young people can help young people is to get get political.
Most world leaders won’t be in charge when you are older; it’s up to us to make the changes necessary (what’s most needed). We need to go forwards not backwards, not just by replacing but changing the things harming the planet that we rely on in our day to day lives.
In conclusion, speaking to John opened our eyes to his organization and the great things they do. He also showed us that although COP26 is allowing small countries to be heard, it’s also missing many other places, often the ones that climate change is affecting the most.
Sources:
John Bynorth – Policy & Communications Officer of EPS
Political Image – POLITICAL – Bing images
