Is this what the Cop26 summit on climate was aiming for?
In Glasgow, the 196 nations gathered to renew their commitment to limit global warming to 1.5C, as compared to pre-industrial levels. This was a continuation of six-years-old Paris agreements.
Does 1.5C have a future?
Yes. Just. As Cop president Alok Sharma said in his closing remarks: ‘I think today we can say with credibility that we’ve kept 1.5 within reach.’ But the pledges on the table at Cop26 mean global warming could rise to 2.4C, although more optimistic readings put it as low as 1.8C. According to the Glasgow Climate Pact, governments are asked to increase their pledges for next year. But even 1.5C is still an unsafe level of global warming – with scientists estimating that around 70 per cent of the world’s coral reefs will die if the Earth warms this much.
For the first time, the pact asks countries to ‘phase down’ coal – signalling the beginning of the end for coal power, the biggest source of greenhouse gases (stock image)
But what about coal?
For the first time, the pact asks countries to ‘phase down’ coal – signalling the beginning of the end for coal power, the biggest source of greenhouse gases. A draft said coal should be ‘phased out’, but this was vetoed by India and China – to the dismay of campaigners.
Is there anything else?
The UN urges all countries to end subsidies for fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia, India and other states keep fuel prices artificially low to encourage people to use them. The deal also urges developed countries to ‘double’ the amount of money to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change. For the first time it also raises the topic of ‘loss and damage’ – which would mean rich countries that have heated up the planet with greenhouse gas for years would have to pay compensation to poor countries suffering the impacts.
What will it mean for those who live in the UK?
Or, the UK could be accused of hypocrisy if it takes even more aggressive action to curb greenhouse gas emissions. It could be that the UK commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions net zero by 2045 instead of 2050 as previously stated. It could also mean fresh scrutiny for big projects in the UK expected to generate a great deal of greenhouse gas – such as the £27 billion new roads programme, a new coal mine in Cumbria, expansion of airports around the UK and exploration of new oil and gas sites in the North Sea.
As Cop president Alok Sharma said in his closing remarks: ‘I think today we can say with credibility that we’ve kept 1.5 within reach’ (stock image)