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**Subheadline:** Delegates from nearly 200 countries gather in Glasgow to address the urgent need for concrete action on climate change
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A critical summit aimed at tackling the imminent threat of climate change, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) has commenced in Glasgow, Scotland. The conference started on October 31, 2021, and will extend through November 12. This international gathering sees leaders, climate experts, activists, and delegates from nearly 200 countries converge to discuss and negotiate ways to combat the escalating climate crisis.
The conference, widely considered one of the most significant climate meetings in history, comes on the heels of a series of alarming reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). These reports underscore the urgency of addressing global warming to prevent its catastrophic impacts. The central focus of the discussions is expected to be on how parties can accelerate action to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, particularly to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the host of the summit, called for immediate, decisive action. In his opening speech, he warned of the dire consequences of inaction, stating, “it’s one minute to midnight on the doomsday clock, and we need to act now.” Johnson urged nations to pull the “handbrake” on the destruction of our planet, emphasizing the need for collaboration and commitment from all participants.
Also in attendance is U.S. President Joe Biden, who has made climate change a key issue of his administration. Biden, who has already pledged to cut U.S. carbon emissions by 50-52% by 2030, is expected to push other nations to make similar commitments. China’s President Xi Jinping, despite being the leader of the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is notably absent from the summit. However, China has sent a delegation led by its climate envoy Xie Zhenhua.
The conference will see various topical discussions, including transitioning to renewable energy, phasing out coal, protecting and restoring forests, and increasing financial support for developing countries to cope with the impacts of climate change. There will also be a focus on “climate justice,” emphasizing the need for developed countries, which have historically contributed the most to carbon emissions, to take the lead in climate action.
However, the road to achieving these commitments is fraught with challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has strained economies worldwide, making it more difficult for countries to prioritize climate action. Furthermore, there is a significant disparity between developed and developing nations in their capacity to take on the cost of shifting to greener economies.
Despite these hurdles, the consensus among experts is that inaction is no longer an option. The recent IPCC report stated unequivocally that human activities are driving global warming, leading to more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and other damaging impacts. It is clear that the world needs to urgently transition to a low-carbon economy to avert the worst impacts of climate change.
The world now watches with bated breath as the COP26 summit unfolds. The decisions made in the coming days could shape the future of our planet, making this a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change.
As the world’s leaders gather in Glasgow, the message is clear: it’s time to turn promises into action. The world cannot afford to wait any longer.
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