The United Nations recently held its 2021 Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. Here are some takeaways from the ELPC Environmental Team on the climate negotiations that were discussed.
- The COP26 summit made some positive progress, with commitments to curb methane emissions, end public financing for coal fi red plants, end deforestation, and increase climate financing for developing countries.
- There is an expectation for greater private financial engagement. Climate action can—and will—make a difference.
- From 2010 to 2021, governments have put in place policies that will lower annual emissions by 15% in 2030, compared to what would have happened without these policies.
- Emissions continue to grow. Greater progress is needed, and strategies must be developed to overcome obstacles.
- As climate experts, U.N. officials, and our young people tell us, the world has to wake up to the scale of the disruption if CO2 emissions—mostly from burning fossil fuels—are not cut further.
In closing, here is a key finding from the Emissions Gap Report 2021 published by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Climate action so far has been characterized by weak promises, not many yet delivered. The newly updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs), or pledges, under the Paris Agreement only take 7.5% off predicted 2030 emissions, compared to the previous round of commitments.
Reductions of 30% are needed to get on track to limit global warming to 2°C and 55% for 1.5°C.