The whole COP/ trains thing is very frustrating. I'm not in Glasgow and have no need to travel there, luckily, but it does sound awful for those that do. And it's such a shame, as it should be a big, flagship event to showcase Glasgow, and of course is an honour for the UK to be hosting. But rather than local or local-ish people getting on board, going to see what's going on, join in any processions/ demonstrations/ public engagement stuff and so on, it's probably going to piss people off and discourage them from going to the centre and using local companies/shops/restaurants. It's a shame, as this COP is supposed to be involving so many more people than previously (including communities likely to be affected by climate change and adaptation measures... which of course includes us plebs). But it's sounding like lots of people are being discouraged from joining in, and only the diehard Extinction Rebellion types etc will brave the disruption and likely cause more of it which is hardly a positive or collaborative environment to create.
Interesting though, that it's being held in person, even though the delegates recognise that unnecessary travel isn't really sustainable or desirable at any time, let alone with covid. It may or may not cause a local covid spike - though given everyone meeting inside needs to be tested daily, and masks will be required at all times inside (which is obviously such a panacea) I'm not sure the "formal" parts of the conference are such a risk. Maybe being stuck on a packed bus going nowhere for 3 hours could be more risky, but that won't be anything to do with the conference?!. But because of the importance of the conference, they have to travel, because its universally recognised that online conferences/ meetings aren't nearly so effective. And discriminate against those without good Internet access, of even those with decent access are at the mercy of their connections holding up. Yet we've had 20 months of obligatory zoom/teams meetings as "a small price to pay". I mean, of course our meetings generally aren't as important or large as this one, and overall it may be preferable that we stick with the slightly shit option for personal or environmental reasons. But it's interesting that it's at least recognised now that online IS second best...