What happened at COP26
– and what next for climate solutions? There were almost too many deals and pacts to keep track of over the two weeks of COP26. Claire Thorpe gives an overview of some of the most impactful deals, as well as what was and wasn’t included in the Glasgow Climate Pact, and some of the CAT team who were at COP26 give their reflections. The Glasgow Climate Pact and 1.5°C
The Glasgow Climate Pact – also known as the cover decision for COP26 – was adopted by all nations that are signatories to the 2015 Paris Agreement. The agreement requests that parties revisit and strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions (or NDCs – each country’s commitment to cutting emissions) by 2022. There is a big gap between current NDCs and the emissions cuts needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, which is recognised in the text. However, the text fails to recognise the need to align these NDCs with countries’ Long-Term Strategies, which focus on work to 2050 and beyond. It is noted that lower income countries will be able to submit more ambitious NDCs if they have more funding and support, but there is no support offered for creating Long-Term Strategies.
Coal & fossil fuels
Karwai Tang/ UK Government
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Pact is the reference to coal and fossil fuel subsidies. While wording was watered down at the last minute, the need to ‘phasedown’ coal use and move away from ‘inefficient’ fossil fuel subsidies is included. The need for a just energy transition is also recognised in the text.
Clean Slate 15
