Glasgow hosted the COP26—the 26th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was postponed from taking place between November 9 and 19, 2020. On October 31, 2021, it began.
Background:
Climate change and its effects: In its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which was published in August 2021 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world's governments were warned about the risks linked with the rise in global temperatures.
The paper highlights how human activity has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land, which has resulted in extensive and quick changes to the cryosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and ocean. As a result, extreme climate events including droughts, extreme rainfall, rising sea levels, and heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent.
Inadequate climate action: Notwithstanding the warning indications of a global emergency, the majority of countries have not demonstrated seriousness with regard to climate action. GHG emissions worldwide have not stopped. The proposed climate change measures appear insufficient to halt the increase in global temperatures. The UN Environment Programme's 12th Emissions Gap Report highlights a significant gap between the updated emission reduction commitments made by countries for 2030 and what is required to reduce the increase in global temperature to 1.5 or even 2 degrees C. By the end of the century, this might cause a 2.7 degree Celsius increase in temperature. The window of opportunity for the globe to reduce emissions before temperatures increase by more than 2 degrees C is getting smaller.
New initiatives for international climate action: In this regard, significant preparatory conferences and bilateral talks were held prior to the COP26 to urge nations to increase their emission reduction obligations from the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The need for net-zero emissions by 2050 had been growing.
Pre-summit goals set for the COP26: The COP26 had set itself four goals even before the start of the climate summit.
To achieve global net-zero by the middle of the century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach.
To adapt to protect communities as well as natural habitats from the impact of climate change.
Mobilisation of finances for the stated goals.
To work together so that the rules could be listed out in detail and help in the fulfilment of the Paris Agreement.
Major initiatives announced at the Glasgow summit
Ending deforestation: In the COP26 climate summit’s first major deal, leaders at the COP26 global climate conference have pledged to stop deforestation by 2030 to help slow climate change.
Reducing methane emissions: While the main focus of efforts to curb global warming has been on carbon dioxide, experts point out that cutting methane emissions could be one of the most effective interventions to reduce near-term global warming. Although there’s more CO2 in the atmosphere and it sticks around for longer, individual methane molecules have a more powerful warming effect on the atmosphere than single CO2 molecules given their higher global warming potential (GWP).
Infrastructure for Resilient Island States: India has launched the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) initiative for developing the infrastructure of small island nations. IRIS initiative becomes critical given that these small island nations remain the most vulnerable countries facing the biggest threat from climate change. They face an existential threat due to climate change. The IRIS is a part of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) initiative.
One Sun, One World, One Grid: The new Global Green Grids Initiative One Sun One World One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG) has been announced at the ongoing COP26.
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