Reflections on Glasgow and COP26

Reflections on Glasgow and COP26

Introduction This brief provides a summary and highlights of the recently-concluded COP26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland. In addition, we include reflections from our fellows and team, who through their diverse perspectives considered how the results are likely to impact our hemisphere and the world. It appears likely that going forward, we will probably talk less about the Paris Agreement and instead start referencing the Glasgow Climate Pact. Indeed, the deal reached last week by nearly 200 countries, which appears to keep alive the 1.5C goal - although on life support as some suggested. No doubt COP26 provided important momentum with daily announcements covering its four topics of focus (Mitigation, Adaptation, Financing and Collaboration). Rather than seeking absolute consensus, progress seems to have been made through alliances and partnerships involving different parties that nevertheless made commitments according to their circumstances. Significant progress has been made across the board: a big shift away from coal and setting targets for all cars sold to be zero emissions by 2040, growth of the Adaptation Fund for supporting the transition of developing countries, creation of financial (dis) incentives, mechanisms and standards which should mobilize the funds needed to close the gap in new energy infrastructure and, putting it all together, the finalization of the Paris Rulebook. As highlighted by the UK Presidency of COP26: “Two years ago, only 30% of the world was covered by net-zero targets. This figure is now at around 90%. Over the same period, 154 Parties have submitted new national targets, representing 80% of global emissions.” It is now expected that the renewed collective commitments reached at COP26 could hold temperature rise to 1.8C. Progress, yes, but we must also understand that countless communities around the world will continue to feel the dire impact of climate change. The gathering also attempted to bring on board civil society and took steps towards promoting the inclusion of youth and women in the fight against climate change. However, the voices of young activists echoed loudly at side events blaming world leaders for complacency and insufficient action. The lack of access for the Israeli Minister in a wheelchair was not a positive image for inclusion. Key absentees were Xi Jin Ping, Vladimir Putin and Jair Bolsonaro. Viral photographs of President Biden and PM Boris Johnson with eyes closed during sessions reminded us that the public is paying close attention to world leaders. Having said that, the UK, as the party holding the Presidency of COP26, the EU and the US have shown strong leadership. A summary 1 of COP26 and what was achieved per sector follows as well as our “reflections.”

1 Based on and extracted from official announcements, for further reference see www.ukcop26.org Other sources referenced as used.