The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) concluded on November 13, 2021, with the adoption of the Glasgow Climate Pact. The negotiations saw over 190 countries come together to discuss their collective efforts to tackle climate change. After two weeks of intense negotiations, the countries attending COP26 reached an agreement that will shape the future of our planet.

Key Agreements

The Glasgow Climate Pact sets out a series of goals that aim to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The main objectives of the pact are to:

– Secure global net-zero emissions by the middle of this century

– Increase the amount of climate finance available to developing countries

– Increase the amount of funding for adaptation and resilience to help vulnerable countries deal with the effects of climate change

– Accelerate the phase-out of coal and fossil fuel subsidies

– Increase the use of renewable energy sources

One of the most significant agreements reached at COP26 was the decision to end deforestation by 2030. Deforestation is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to around 15% of total global emissions. The agreement to end deforestation is a crucial step in the fight against climate change.

The agreement also includes a commitment to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is responsible for around 16% of total global emissions. The commitment to reduce methane emissions is a significant step in achieving the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

What Does This Mean?

The Glasgow Climate Pact is a historic agreement that sets out clear targets for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The inclusion of measures to end deforestation and reduce methane emissions is a significant step in the fight against climate change. However, the success of the pact will ultimately depend on countries` willingness to implement the measures outlined in the agreement.

The agreement also includes a commitment to increase funding for climate finance and adaptation measures for developing countries. This is a significant step in addressing the climate crisis`s equity issues, as vulnerable countries are often the hardest hit by the effects of climate change.

Conclusion

The Glasgow Climate Pact is a significant achievement in the fight against climate change. The agreement sets out clear targets for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and includes measures to end deforestation and reduce methane emissions. While the agreement is a step in the right direction, it will ultimately depend on countries` willingness to implement the measures outlined in the pact. The success of the agreement will be measured by the actions that countries take in the coming years to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and tackle the climate crisis.