The UK hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October – 12 November 2021. The COP26 summit brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. There were alot of aims, promises and and goals for the upcoming years to curb the carbon dioxide and methane rise and reduce the global warming to the levels comparable to the pre-industrial times. Some of the achievements planned to be considered are below.

What Do We Need To Achieve At COP26?

Secure Global Net Zero By Mid-Century And Keep 1.5 Degrees Within Reach

Nations are being encouraged and asked to come forward with prospective 2030 emissions reductions targets that orient with reaching net zero by 2050. To bring on these stretching targets, countries will need to:

  • Accelerate the phase-out of coal
  • Curtail deforestation
  • Speed up the switch to electric vehicles
  • Encourage investment in renewables.

Adapt To Protect Communities And Natural Habitats

The climate is so far getting altered, and it will resume to modify even as we reduce emissions, with damaging and disastrous effects. At COP26 we need to work in collaboration to sanction and stimulate countries affected by climate change to:

  • Protect and restore ecosystems
  • Build defenses, warning systems and resilient infrastructure and agriculture to avoid loss of homes, livelihoods and even lives

Mobilize Finance

To deliver on our first two goals, developed countries must make good on their promise to mobilize at least $100bn in climate finance per year by 2020.  

International financial institutions must play their part and we need work towards unleashing the trillions in private and public sector finance required to secure global net zero.

Work Together To Deliver

We can only rise to the challenges of the climate crisis by working together. At COP26 we must:

  • Finalize the Paris Rulebook (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational)
  • Accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society.

SUCCESS OR FAILURE?

Though the UN climate summit has been slammed as a failure after India and China weakened language on phasing out fossil fuels and historical polluters refused to accept liability for damage caused by extreme weather.

The two-week conference started with announcements from big countries like Nigeria and India to cut emissions to net-zero — meaning they pollute the atmosphere with as much greenhouse gas as they suck back out — by 2060 and 2070, respectively.

In a flurry of announcements, some groups of countries also agreed to phase out coal, burn less methane, cut down fewer trees and get rid of cars that burn fossil fuels. The UK government statements on the impact of these pledges were panned by activists over the course of the summit.

This summit has not proven itself to be a good hope. As the GenZ know the real meaning behind the fake promises done by the nations. "This summit has been a bunch of lies and greenwashing, and it physically hurts me to think of it," said Mitzi Jonelle Tan, a climate activist with the Fridays for Future movement from the Philippines, in tears. "I am so sad and angry and honestly terrified."

Not only the youth but the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres himself said that "The outcome of COP26 is a compromise. It is an important step, but not enough. We are still knocking on the door of climate catastrophe."

Sources: All Credits for this text goes to DW and UKCOP26.

About the Author: Maryam Eqan is an Executive In-chief and Founder of The Earth Needs Love. She believes in youth engagement and activism for environment, climate and sustainable development.