Explained with Connect Earth: COP26
A pivotal moment in the fight against climate change is coming up in 2 weeks. What are the most important things you need to know about COP26? 🔍
Based in Glasgow between October 31st and November 12th, the COP26 event (or Conference of Parties) will yet again gather the world’s leaders to find tangible solutions to getting climate change under control.
This year is especially important because the time has come for all countries who signed the Paris Agreement during COP21 (6 years ago) to present their updated national plans for reducing emissions. These plans are also referred to as NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) and are revised once every 5 years.
Considering the fact that most countries fell short of their initial commitments, this year’s revision is a decisive moment that will show whether we will finally take climate change seriously.
There are 4 main goals for this year’s COP. First, countries will be asked to present previously-mentioned reduction targets so that worldwide net-zero can be reached by 2050.
Acknowledging that climate change will continue to happen even as emissions are gradually reduced, the development of a system of protection for affected communities and habitats is also one of the goals.
In addition, for the first two goals to be achievable, developed countries will be asked to deliver on their promise of mobilising at least $100bn in climate finance every year.
The finalisation of the Paris Rulebook (a set of rules that make the Paris Agreement operational) is the last goal.
Finally, COP 26 will be led by the UK, which has de-carbonised its economy faster than any other country in the G20 group since 2000. Between 1999–2019, the UK grew its economy by 78%, while simultaneously decreasing its emissions by 44% — a record in clean growth amongst the G7.
Among many things that prove UK domestic climate leadership, there are a few worth mentioning. For example, the fact that the UK is the biggest producer of offshore wind energy in the world.
Moreover, it announced the end of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars domestically by 2030, putting the UK on course to be the fastest G7 country to de-carbonise cars and vans. Additionally, climate-related disclosures will become mandatory across the UK’s economy by 2025.
At Connect Earth we aim to help to achieve COP26 goals by empowering consumers and companies to make more sustainable choices.
To learn more about what we do, visit our website.
