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Writer's pictureSamuel Brown

COP26: A breakdown of what has happened

COP26, hosted in Scotland by the UK in partnership with Italy, came to an end on the 12th of November after twelve days of negotiation. The United Nations Climate Change Conference established a new set of goals to help ensure the world can keep to the target set by the Paris Agreement, of 1.5C degrees, within reach.


Image: gov.uk


Roughly 25,000 delegates from 200 countries attended COP26, with 120 heads of state also attending the event. Over the 13 days, countries discussed how they will contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change, with many goals being set by both countries and private companies alike.


The major goals that were set at the conference are:

· Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach

· Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats

· Mobilise finance

· Work together to deliver


Although these major goals may be vague, more specific goals have been negotiated. One of the more important ones being over 100 countries, hosting 85% of the world’s forests, agreeing to end deforestation by 2030. Brazil, a country which has had a rising deforestation problem over the past few years is one of the countries which has agreed to this target.


Previous COP agreements have not explicitly mentioned fossil fuels as a major driver of climate change. However, during COP26, the agreement refers to an intention to phase down the use of coal, and more than 40 countries pledged to move away from coal. Countries have also been asked to accelerate the de-subsidization of fossil fuels and eventually phase out their use.


Other notable outcomes from the conference include: India promising to draw half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, more than 80 countries making a pledge to cut methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, 45 countries pledging to give more than $4bn USD to transition the agriculture industry to a more sustainable industry, and wealthier countries delivering on their promise from the Paris Agreement to mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year by 2020. Over 140 countries have made a pledge to reach net-zero emissions.


Private companies have also agreed to play their part in tackling the climate emergency. A group of major car manufacturers (GM, Ford, Volvo, JLR, Mercedes-Benz and BYD Auto) have committed to work towards the sale of new cars and vans being zero emissions globally by 2040, and in leading markets by 2035.


The summit did not come without any criticism, notably towards the absence of leaders from some of the largest polluting countries. Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Jair Bolsonaro were all absent, however delegates from their respective countries (China, Russia, and Brazil) attended. Myanmar and Afghanistan were both entirely absent from the summit. Climate activists have also criticised the summit, with Greta Thunberg branding COP26 as ‘failure’. She also stated “We need immediate drastic annual emission cuts unlike anything the world has ever seen”. Pacific Island nations are some of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, and pacific delegates have condemned COP26, calling it a ‘monumental failure’.


For more information on COP26, visit the COP26 website

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