COP26 – Is the United Nations Climate Change Conference, taking place in Glasgow from 31st Oct to 12th Nov this year. The purpose of COP26 as with previous COPs is for countries to get together to discuss and accelerate actions of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on climate change.
What are the aims of the Paris Agreement?
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- Holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, recognising that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.
. - Increasing the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production.
. - Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.
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Current Fears:
It’s been reported that key figures, which are involved with COP have admitted, albeit privately, that climate talks due to take place at COP26 will not create a breakthrough needed to fulfil the targets of the Paris Agreement. COP26 has been billed as one of the last chances to stave off climate breakdown.
Key nations, such as the UK and US along with the United Nations have still stressed that the broader goal of the conference – that of “keeping 1.5C alive” – was still in sight, and that world leaders meeting at COP26 could still set a pathway for the future that would avoid the devastating impact of climate change.
Comments from Cop26 President-Designate:
Alok Sharma, the UK cabinet minister who is Cop26 president-designate, said: “Cop26 has always been about delivering urgent action to ensure we keep the path to a 1.5C world alive. Those nations which have submitted new and ambitious climate plans are already bending the curve of emissions downwards by 2030. But we continue to push for increased ambition from the G20 to urgently close the emissions gap. The clock is ticking, and Cop26 must be the turning point where we change the course of history for the better.”
What Are The Cop26 Goals?
Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach
To deliver on these stretching targets, countries will need to:
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- accelerate the phase-out of coal
- curtail deforestation
- speed up the switch to electric vehicles
- encourage investment in renewables
Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
Mobilise finance
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- International financial institutions must play their part and we need work towards unleashing the trillions in private and public sector finance required to secure global net zero.
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Work together to deliver
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- finalise the Paris Rulebook (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational)
- accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society.
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