One Step Greener Climate Leaders: COP26 volunteer - Daniel McCusker
Ahead of COP26, we caught up with Daniel McCusker, Sustainability Analyst in SSEN Transmission’s Strategy Team, to hear his thought about becoming an SSE Volunteer in the Green Zone.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at SSE
Sustainability and the natural world have always been my key interests and passions, shaped through exploring the countryside where I grew up outside Glasgow and hours watching documentaries by my childhood heroes - Steve Irwin and David Attenborough.
These experiences led me to study Biology at the University of Aberdeen and then a masters in Sustainability Science and Policy from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
I have to say that I feel really fortunate to now be working in a company where sustainability is fundamental to our business objectives and strategy. I’ve been working at SSE for almost four years now, starting in the Group Sustainability Team, I worked in some amazing projects such as the setting of our Group Science Based Target and 2030 Goals. This year I moved into the Transmission Strategy Team which has been a great experience getting involved in the work we are doing to create a Network for Net Zero and currently focusing on our COP26 engagement to make sure a lasting legacy is left from the conference.
Why did you apply to be an SSE Volunteer at COP26?
The climate and biodiversity crises are the biggest challenges that humanity faces and are so huge that it can sometimes feel insurmountable. I'm an optimistic person (often "annoyingly so" according to friends and family) and truly believe these challenges will be solved by people working together. The fact that this COP is happening in our city, of which I am so incredibly proud, at arguably the most crucial time in our species' recent history I want to do my wee bit to be able to say to future generations "I played my part and Glasgow delivered".
Tell us about what your role will be during the 10 day event
My role will be a Green Zone Team Leader at the Glasgow Science Centre and Pacific Quay working with other people who I am sure will be as excited for the summit as I am! Given that I live in Finnieston, the conference is literally in my neighbourhood which will be amazing to see our city on the world stage for such a crucial event. The role will involve welcoming delegates and members of the public to participate directly with COP26 at the events surrounding the Glasgow Science Centre at Pacific Quay - supporting activities by:
Why is COP26 important to you?
When I see young people around the world making their voices heard to protect their futures I feel so inspired and share in their frustration. Climate change is so real for them in a way that it isn’t for older generations – it will impact their lives in ways that we cannot appreciate.
I agree with US climate envoy John Kerry when he described COP26 as humanity’s "the last best chance" to avert the worst environmental consequences for the world. At COP26 the world needs to set a course to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Protecting the planet for ourselves and for future generations to be able to live prosperous lives is the issue of our time. Nothing matters more.
What part do you think we can all play, big or small, in the fight against climate change?
We need systemic change in every aspect of society in order to combat climate change, it won’t be done without collaboration.