Formula E at COP26: All-electric racing takes centre stage in week two

Formula E has played a leadership role for elite sport at COP26. The opening week saw exciting activations from Envision Racing with a full-scale replica of the Gen2 machine made up of non-recyclable plastics, and the all-electric series signed up to the updated UNFCCC Sports For Climate Action Framework. An initiative established three years ago to drive climate action in the agenda of the sports industry and provide a signal for the future of sports.

READ MORE: See all of the activities from Formula E's first week at COP26

Scroll through to take a look back at the second week of Formula E's up to trip to Glasgow, Scotland for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Formula E takes to the stage at COP26

All-electric street racing took to the stage at COP26 on Wednesday, with discussions on how Formula E is continuing to lead the charge as CEO Jamie Reigle highlighted the 'power of motorsport' to action change.

Inspiration was the key takeaway from Formula E's time on the COP26 stage as all the panellists touched upon the series' transformative role in promoting electric mobility and the adoption of sustainable practices. Read up on the highlights from the session or watch back in full.

Formula E's Sustainability Director, Julia Palle, made a variety of appearances across the climate conference. On the UNFCCC's Action Hub stage she outlined how Formula E has been accelerating sustainable human progress through the power of electric racing. Catch up on the keynote speech.

Clean Growth programme launched with the UK Government

Thursday marked Formula E's last day at COP26, and in the evening the all-electric racing series hosted a joint reception with the UK Government's Department for International Trade (DIT). 

The gathering saw the exciting launch of the Clean Growth programme, an initiative launched by Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle and the Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP.

The Clean Growth programme aims to help UK businesses boost green exports. The event was attended by more than 150 representatives from international governments, Formula E teams and partners, industry figures and development agencies.

Special livery for the planet's favourite sport

For the final night at COP26, ABB FIA Formula E World Championship unveiled a special edition livery that acts as a physical representation of creating a planet that can flourish and thrive, as we race for a better future.

The car represents the change in the natural ecosystem. At the nose of the car there are drought conditions and a cracked baron landscape. However, as always with Formula E, it’s a message of hope and optimism, as the livery flows down the car you see the landscape restoring itself, with flourishing rain forests and a thriving ocean.

IMAGE ID: /cop26-livery

Commitment to the future

Alongside Formula E's commitments to the UNFCCC Sports For Climate Action Framework, the all-electric series joined up with 75 businesses and business networks and signed the "Fit for 55% package” that outlines 10 key principles to EU leadership on climate and the net-zero transition.

Adding his signature to the list, Jamie Reigle said: “Decarbonising of the global economy needs bold targets and action by both the public and private sectors.

"As the first and only sport to have achieved Net Zero Carbon status from inception, Formula E strongly supports science-based, ambitious climate legislation. 'Fit for 55% package' will support the critical sense of urgency required to accelerate investments in clean technologies that will protect future generations and our planet. This package will strengthen Europe’s leadership position in the global transition to Net Zero Carbon."

As a supporter of UNICEF's Safe and Healthy Environment Fund - which aims to create a sustainable, safe and clean environment for children - Formula E is already committed to securing a future for the next generation.

Alongside this, the all-electric racing series also joined the business community in signing a statement on the vital role business plays in addressing the devastating impacts of climate change to children’s well-being.

As detailed by UNICEF, the statement acknowledges that "child rights and the environment are interconnected, and businesses should be part of the solution to address and mitigate the negative consequences of climate change in children’s lives globally".

EV road trip to COP26

In the days leading up to COP26, Formula E undertook an EV road trip up the country. Visiting the teams, partners and manufacturers, to take a closer look at how exactly the planet's favourite sport is accelerating positive change. Catch up on the full series below.