The fate of a landmark global agreement on climate change was hanging in the balance last night as major coal-producing countries demanded that it be watered down.
Saudi Arabia, Russia and India insisted that references to ‘phasing out coal and fossil fuel subsidies’ should be removed from the final deal which delegates were hoping to unveil in Glasgow today.
We hoped this unprecedented pledge would help send a message to the countries that produce fossil fuels, encouraging them to seek out alternative sources of power.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned delegates that hopes of limiting global warming to 1.5C – the key aim of the climate talks in Glasgow – were ‘on life support’, but added ‘until the last moment, hope should be maintained’
Despite opposition by the three countries, last night it seemed that the agreement would not include the promise.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned delegates that hopes of limiting global warming to 1.5C – the key aim of the climate talks in Glasgow – were ‘on life support’, but added ‘until the last moment, hope should be maintained’.
Christiana Figueres (ex-UN climate chief) said that world leaders must return to the table next year with better plans to reduce greenhouse gasses, as the Cop26 targets were not strong enough.
Saudi Arabia, Russia and India insisted that references to ‘phasing out coal and fossil fuel subsidies’ should be removed from the final deal which delegates were hoping to unveil in Glasgow today
While Cop26 was scheduled to conclude today, last night’s delegates warned of deep divisions within the negotiations and this could result in the talks being delayed. According to sources, security guards were booked for Sunday work.
Cop26 president Alok Sharma tried to play down claims that the Glasgow talks would flop, saying delegates had ‘no choice but to strain every sinew’ to make the summit a success.
Yesterday, China and the United States were both praised for their cooperation in combating climate change.
Boris Johnson tweeted: ‘I welcome the strong show of commitment from China and the US last night to step up climate action this decade and keep 1.5C in reach.’