From the 31st October to the 12th November 2021, the UN held a climate change conference in Glasgow, where world leaders, renowned politicians, and other important people gathered to finally discuss the lasting effects of global warming, and how to make a difference in order to save the earth. It is also important to note that both Biden and Obama took very well to the tartan and kilts culture shock.
Ultimately, COP26 was a push towards putting the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change into action, and making it more than just an agreement. With this being the 26th annual summit, it is arguable that it has taken nearly three decades for climate change to become a global priority, and yet the results are still underwhelming. All countries agreed the Glasgow Climate Pact to keep 1.5C alive, and finalised the Paris agreement, which made it specifically recognised by the UN, but all other issues seemed to revert back to these policies, and disregarded the urgency required.
A future we can afford?
The overall goal is zero emissions by 2050, but with the weak targets announced for 2030, it doesn’t look promising. The major downfall, though, is that there seemed to be a trend with the major emitters’ having minor goals, which includes Australia, China, Brazil and others. COP26 presented an optimistic resolution to this, through the motion of strengthening previous proposals, and ensuring that they create a promising pathway towards zero emissions within good time.
On another note, a problem that was deemed predominant within the conference, was the lack of education on climate change, which lead to the youth being unaware of the destructive impacts of global warming, many of which will be most impacting on their generations. COP26 lead to a universal agreement for an ‘Action for Climate Empowerment and Youth’, which includes a new ten-year plan focused on ensuring that climate education is integrated into the curriculum. This was also a step forward in recognising that the youth are critical agents of change, and will be the cog that ensures climate change continues to be effectively combatted.
Prior to COP26, it was evident that change is definitely happening, but the worry is that this change is happening too slowly, which is why so much is happening all at once. The UK released 40% less emissions in 2020 than in 1990, but as the world faces a hotter planet, rising sea levels and extreme weather, it’s not just us we have to worry about. And if you’re not worried about us, worry about the animals. Or David Attenborough.
Plans set in stone
The promises of a better future dedicated to saving the earth have appeared to be set in quick sand rather than stone in recent years, with many resolutions not being completely followed by the agreeing nations. Alas, in this year’s climate change conference, the Net Zero plan was clearly distinguished. This plan offers an extra £625m for tree-planting and peat restoration, £140m to two clusters promoting carbon capture and storage to produce hydrogen, and an extra £500m fund for low-carbon revolution. India pledges they will also reach net zero emissions by 2070, and the United Nations have set up a Net Zero Coalition to help reach this universal goal.
This plan offers an extra £625m for tree-planting and peat restoration, £140m to two clusters promoting carbon capture and storage to produce hydrogen, and an extra £500m fund for low-carbon revolution. India pledges they will also reach net zero emissions by 2070, and the United Nations have set up a Net Zero Coalition to help reach this universal goal.
Alongside this, 46 countries also signed onto a Global Coal to Clean Energy Transition Statement, committing to moving away from unabated coal power generation by 2030 for the major economies, and globally by roughly 2040. Again, no fixed deadlines, but at least we get a boundary for the time limits.
Working hard or hardly working?
Is it safe to say that COP26 erupted a global sprint towards a green finish line? No, however, at least there is a regard for the importance of environmental policies and the impact that the unity of nations has on making real change.
It is safe to say, though, that climate change is finally receiving a fraction of the acknowledgment it deserved from the start, and any strive for change, whether it be big or small, will make a difference.
Staying Awake 