Photo Credit: Paul Starkey / Ashden Photographer name: Paul Starkey
The Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP 26) heard from world leaders during a two-day, summit-level event. Meanwhile, new versions of draft text are under negotiation on several issues related to implementing the Paris Agreement. COP proceedings are expected to be more “normal” in the coming days, as world leaders depart and observers are better able to participate and observe negotiations.
The Earth Negotiations Bulletin reported that a COP venue has rarely “felt so full and near-chaotic” as when the delegates and media arrived for the World Leaders Summit, which took place from 1-2 November 2021. Notable commitments and announcements during the Summit included:
- India’s commitment to achieve net zero by 2070, along with reaching 50% renewable energy by 2030;
- Spain’s contribution of USD 30 million to the Adaptation Fund in 2022, and commitment to increase its climate finance by 50% by 2025;
- US’ long-term strategy for achieving net zero;
- Republic of Korea’s increase of its emissions reduction target to 40% below 2018 levels by 2030;
- Ecuador’s addition of 60,000 km² to its marine reserve around the Galápagos Islands;
- Tanzania’s pledge to reduce economy-wide emissions between 30% and 35% relative to a business-as-usual scenario by 2030;
- Denmark’s pledge of USD 1 billion by 2023, and 60% of the country’s climate aid focused on helping the most vulnerable nations adapt;
- Japan’s contribution of up to USD 10 billion in additional climate finance in the next five years;
- Norway’s pledge to double its climate finance to USD 1.6 billion by 2026, and funding for renewable energy and preserving forests in developing countries; and
- Nigeria’s pledged to reach net zero by 2060.
In other statements, Txai Suruí, a young advocate from the Amazon, called for placing Indigenous Peoples at the center of COP 26 decisions. President of Korea Jae-in Moon proposed regular youth engagement in climate decision making. Continue reading