“Methane reductions must go hand in hand with actions to decarbonize the energy system to limit warming to 1.5 degree Celsuis, as called for in the Paris Agreement,” Andersen added…reports Asian Lite News.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Commission have launched an observatory to reduce emission of methane gas into the atmosphere.
UNEP said in a statement issued on the eve of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow that the launch of International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) marked a significant milestone in efforts to green the planet.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, said cutting down on methane emissions from the fossil fuel industry will help avert the worst impacts of climate change to livelihoods and vital ecosystems.
“Methane reductions must go hand in hand with actions to decarbonize the energy system to limit warming to 1.5 degree Celsuis, as called for in the Paris Agreement,” Andersen added.
— International Methane Emissions Observatory (@CH4Observatory) October 31, 2021
According to UNEP, methane emission is responsible for about one quarter of the current global warming and when the gas is directly released into the atmosphere, it is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year time horizon, Xinhua news agency reported.
Nevertheless, since methane’s atmospheric lifespan is relatively short, robust measures to cut its emission would yield immediate results in terms of halting global warming and delivering air quality, says UNEP.
The launch of the observatory on Sunday will help improve accuracy and transparency in reporting the magnitude of its release into the atmosphere and the impact on global warming.
At the initial stages, the observatory will focus on methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector and later expand to cover agriculture and waste sectors, according to UNEP.
Curbing methane emissions from fossil fuels matters.
The 1st annual report from the International Methane Emissions Observatory (#IMEO) shows how this can be done & progress to date.
The observatory is expected to produce verified and accurate data on methane emissions in the fossil fuel sector to help inform mitigation efforts by governments and industry.
Hosted by UNEP, the International Methane Emissions Observatory will operate on a 100 million euros (about 115.6 million $) budget over five years, but it will not receive industry funding in order to maintain its impartiality.
According to Mountford, for the first time, G20 leaders collectively recognized the importance of reaching net-zero emissions by or around mid-century…reports Asian Lite News.
G20 leaders have committed to revisit and further enhance their 2030 emission reduction targets. This must now paint the way for negotiators at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) that opened in Glasgow with the key aims of raising ambition on all fronts, experts said on Monday.
However, some believe G20 made a mild pledge on climate change that is now an existential threat to humanity.
The G20 Summit wrapped on Sunday in Rome as the two-week long COP26 climate talks kicked off in Glasgow.
The G20 communique includes several signals calling for bold climate action. G20 leaders noted the importance of strengthening national climate action this decade and reach net-zero emissions by or around mid-century and for the first time committed to halt international financing for building unabated coal-fired power plants abroad.
Responding to the G20 announcement to scale up support for clean power, World Resources Institute Vice President (Climate and Economics) Helen Mountford told IANS: “G20 leaders made some progress heading into the COP26 summit in Glasgow, calling for accelerated climate action this decade, phasing out international coal financing, and recognizing the importance of reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century.
“It is noteworthy that G20 leaders committed to revisit and further enhance their 2030 emission reduction targets where necessary. This must now paint the way for negotiators at COP26 to agree that major emitters will come back in the next couple of years to further strengthen their 2030 targets to align with avoiding the 1.5 degrees C temperature threshold.
“While the latest national climate plans have shifted us to a much better trajectory than the one before the Paris Agreement was struck, they do not achieve the deep emission reductions necessary to avoid the most dangerous levels of warming.”
According to Mountford, for the first time, G20 leaders collectively recognized the importance of reaching net-zero emissions by or around mid-century.
“It is impressive that 90 per cent of G20 countries have now indicated some intention to reach net-zero, which would have been unfathomable just a few years ago.
“G20 countries deserve credit for sending an unequivocal message that they will stop financing unabated coal power abroad, yet they failed to make the obvious leap to stop building coal-fired plants at home as well. At COP26, countries can continue to sound the death knell for the world’s dirtiest fossil fuel. Shifting investments to clean energy is just common sense given it is cheaper almost everywhere.”
Seeing the G20 statement extremely disappointing, Namrata Chowdhary, Chief of Public Engagement at 350.org said: “Heads of state from the world’s richest — and therefore most powerful — countries had the opportunity to radically reset multilateral politics and generate the commitments necessary to keep global heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius, to protect workers, communities, the environment and future generations.
“Instead, they’ve made a contradictory and empty statement on climate: they’ve restated their commitment to keeping global heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius, but failed to commit to any action themselves, not even agreeing that their national climate plans must be improved.
📣 NEWS: Today #G20 leaders met and agreed action this decade towards keeping 1.5 in reach.
“Right now, they have us on a path to nearly 3 degrees of heating. These so-called leaders need to do better. They have another shot at this: starting tomorrow (Monday).”
Representatives from the most impacted people and areas, along with thousands of campaigners for climate justice from around the world, are heading to Glasgow to hold them accountable at COP26.
On finance, the G20 leaders agreed to use recovery plans for climate, mobilise more from development banks (World Bank etc.) and new commitment to mobilise public and private for green development.
Ulka Kelkar, Climate Policy Director, WRI India, said: “The G20 leaders’ call to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is very significant. COP26 now needs to back it up with measures to cut emissions rapidly in this decade and urgently scale up climate finance.”
Climate change think tank E3G’s Senior Associate Alden Meyer said: “The acknowledgement by G20 leaders that akeeping 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach will require meaningful and effective actions and commitment by all countries,’ together with their pledge to aaccelerate our actions across mitigation, adaptation and finance’ and ato take further action this decade’ is an important signal.
“But much hard work — especially on issues of climate finance — remains ahead if COP26 is to reach agreement on concrete ways to address the huge gap in ambition between what countries have currently committed to under the Paris Agreement and what is needed to keep 1.5 degrees C alive and help vulnerable countries and communities cope with the mounting impacts of climate change.
“Leaders must instruct their ministers and negotiators to turn this rhetoric into reality over the next two weeks if Glasgow is to truly represent a turning point in our common endeavour of confronting the climate emergency.”
In the backdrop of a series of reports and studies warning that urgent action is needed to keep the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global average temperature increases to 1.5C within reach, COP26 opened on Sunday with the key aims of raising ambition on all fronts and finalising the agreement’s implementation guidelines.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa
“We are extremely grateful to the government of the UK for hosting this crucially important conference in these unprecedented times and for making every effort to keep all participants safe and healthy,” UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa said.
“The devastating loss of lives and livelihoods this year due to extreme weather events clarifies how important it is to convene COP26 despite the impacts of the pandemic still being felt. We are on track for a global temperature rise of 2.7C, while we should be heading for the 1.5C goal. Clearly, we are in a climate emergency.”
The deal was announced then by the United States, United Kingdom and Australia on the launch of the trilateral security pact “AUKUS”…reports Asian Lite News.
French President Emmanuel Macron has said Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison lied to him over a cancelled submarine deal. “I have a lot of respect for your country. I have a lot of respect and a lot of friendship for your people. I just say when we have respect, you have to be true and you have to behave in line and consistently with this value,” Macron told a group of Australian reporters who had travelled to cover the G20, CNN reported. Asked if he thought Morrison had lied to him, Macron replied “I don’t think, I know.” Both leaders are attending the G20 in Rome and a major climate summit in Glasgow.
In September, Canberra announced that it was scrapping a multi-billion purchase of French conventional submarines in favour of nuclear subs built with US technology. The deal was announced then by the United States, United Kingdom and Australia on the launch of the trilateral security pact “AUKUS”.
“This exceptional decision is justified by the exceptional seriousness of the announcements made on September 15 by Australia and the United States,” said Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Le Drian’s indignation reflected the fact that France had its own deal with Australia, concluded in 2016, for conventional, less technologically sophisticated submarines. That USD 66 billion deal is now defunct, but a harsh legal battle over the contract appears inevitable. The French official slammed “unacceptable behaviour between allies and partners, the consequences of which affect the very conception that we have of our alliances, our partnerships and the importance of the Indo-Pacific for Europe,” reported euronews. Although none of the three governments made any mention of China, the new partnership is widely understood to be an attempt to counter Beijing’s assertiveness in the region, Euronews reported. Furious France has also recalled ambassadors from the US and Australia amid submarine deal outrage. The deal plans for deeper diplomatic, security, and defence cooperation between the three capitals with enhanced capabilities and interoperability in cyber, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden said in a statement that their partnership is “guided by our enduring ideals and shared commitment to the international rules-based order.” (ANI)
King Alexander and Queen Máxima will attend the official opening of the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will attend the official opening of the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai during the country’s national day on 3rd November 2021. The official ceremony of the national day will take place at Al Wasl Plaza.
King Alexander and Queen Máxima will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, Tom de Bruijn, who will be simultaneously leading a trade mission to the UAE, focusing on sustainable urban development.
Netherlands King and Queen to visit Expo 2020
Nearly 50 Dutch companies from the water, sustainable energy, food, urban development and logistics sectors are participating in the trade mission.
TOM DE BRUIJN, MINISTER OF FOREIGN TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT: “I’m pleased that so many Dutch entrepreneurs see opportunities for growth here. There’s a great demand in the UAE and Gulf region for sustainable solutions in these sectors. For instance, ways to grow crops using less water. Our companies have a lot to offer. Expo 2020 Dubai and the Netherlands Pavilion offers them a fantastic podium to showcase themselves to the Gulf region and the rest of the world. The Netherlands Government is keen to help them capitalize on this opportunity.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs mandated the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to organise the trade mission. Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), is the lead business representative.
The mission is part of a broader six-month programme at the Netherlands Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai. It includes a number of weeks centered around specific themes, during which Dutch businesses and other organisations in the highlighted sectors can grow their networks connect with partners in the Gulf region and beyond. Themes include water, energy, food security, climate and healthcare.
In preparation of the Trade Mission and on the occasion of celebrating the National Day, the Netherlands Pavilion will be closed for Expo visitors on the 2nd and 3rd of November.
Modi will participate in the COP26 opening ceremony at 12 noon and before the high-level event, he will squeeze in a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart Boris Johnson
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the high-level ‘Action and Solidarity: The Critical Decade’ segment at the UN Conference of Parties on Climate Change or COP26 on Monday evening.
The COP26 started on Sunday and will conclude on November 12.
“Prime Minister Modi’s intervention on the first day of the two-day High-Level segment is expected at around 3 p.m. (about 8.30 p.m. IST),” said an official in New Delhi.
Modi will participate in the COP26 opening ceremony at 12 noon and before the high-level event, he will squeeze in a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart Boris Johnson.
Prior to that, his engagements for the day would begin with meeting community representatives, the Indian diaspora and Indologists at 10 a.m..
After participating at the G20 Summit and several bilateral meetings, including a one-on-one meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, Modi flew from Rome to the UK late Sunday evening.
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 246.6 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 4.99 million and vaccinations soared to over 6.94 billion…reports Asian Lite News
In its latest update on Monday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload, death toll and the total number number of vaccine doses administered stood at 246,693,288, 4,999,486, and 6,947,883,074, respectively.
Global Covid-19 caseload tops 246.6 mn
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 45,967,772 and 745,805, according to the CSSE.
In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 34,273,300 cases and Brazil third with 21,810,855 infections.
The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are the UK (9,100,442), Russia (8,377,984), Turkey (8,032,958), France (7,268,527), Iran (5,924,638), Argentina (5,288,807), Spain (5,011,148), Colombia (5,002,387), Italy (4,771,965), Germany (4,607,958), Indonesia (4,244,358) and Mexico (3,805,765), the CSSE figures showed.
Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Brazil (607,824), India (457,740), Mexico (288,276), Russia (234,194), Peru (200,246), Indonesia (143,405), the UK (141,055), Italy (132,100), Colombia (127,281), Iran (126,303), France (118,625) and Argentina (115,950).
UNSC demands restoration of civilian-led transitional govt in Sudan
Three protesters were killed in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum as demonstrations continued against the military takeover of the country…reports Asian Lite News
According to the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, protesters on Saturday gathered in the country’s major cities of Khartoum, Bahri and Omdurman, reports Xinhua news agency.
As the bridges linking the three cities were closed, the protesters could not reach the capital city which houses the government headquarters, Republican Palace and the Army Command.
Sudan
“Three protesters were killed after they were shot during the demonstrations in Omdurman city,” the non-governmental committee said in a statement, adding that 110 demonstrators were injured from live ammunition and tear gas.
Sudanese Police said it was forced to use tear gas after some protesters became aggressive.
“There were protesters who deviated from peacefulness and attacked the police forces and some important sites which forced us to use tear gas,” said the police in a statement.
On October 25, the General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan declared a state of emergency across the country, dissolved the transitional Sovereign Council and the government, and relieved the state governors.
Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was detained along with other civilian leaders, but was released.
However, the army chief denied the “arrest” of Hamdok, saying the Prime Minister was staying at Al-Burhan’s house and was safe, until being released.
Demonstrators continued their protests in Khartoum, rejecting the measures announced by Al-Burhan and demanding a civilian government.
UAE, UK to conduct exercise to toughen border controls
A key aim of the initiative was to understand how organised crime attempts to move illicit assets, such as the flows of cash and gold…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security recently partnered with the United Kingdom’s National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) to run an exercise designed to combat the smuggling of significant volumes of cash and gold from UK airports.
A key aim of the initiative was to understand how organised crime attempts to move illicit assets, such as the flows of cash and gold.
UAE, UK to conduct exercise to toughen border controls
Over the course of seven days, Dubai and Abu Dhabi-bound flights from the UK were subject to increased security to check if criminal groups were attempting to smuggle significant volumes of cash and gold from the UK.
An important objective was to fill intelligence gaps and build a better understanding of the level of risk, which will be used to inform future policy proposals.
Huda Humaid Belhoul, Director of the Customs Development Department at the Authority, said, “Combating the smuggling of gold and cash by travellers is at the forefront of the main strategic objectives of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security and the customs sector in the UAE as part of their efforts and plans to counter money laundering and terrorist financing using illegal trade. Working with our international partners helps us to pinpoint shared areas of risk, such as the criminal abuse of scheduled flights to smuggle cash, gold, and high-value items such as watches and jewellery. At the FCA we remain focused on continuing to evolve and improve our approach to mitigate the ever-changing nature of financial crime, which means a collective commitment to sharing information and deepening our cross-border capabilities.”
Matthew Long, Director of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA, added, “This operation helped combat the issue of illegal cash and gold being smuggled out of the UK, and we are grateful to the UAE Federal Authority for their involvement. We will continue to prioritise the mutual sharing of knowledge and intelligence relating to money laundering with our UAE partners and remain resolute in our fight against illicit finance and money laundering.”
Simon York, Director and Chief Investigation Officer at the Fraud Investigation Service, HM Revenue and Customs, said, “We have a long history of working together with the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security on shared threats, and our partnership is vital to our collective role in combating organised crime and closing in on money launderers. As a key operational and strategic partner, the Authority’s support and expertise is crucial to developing a broader partnership between the UK and the UAE to tackle illicit finance.”
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), emphasised that Dubai has an ambitious plan for the next 30 years to achieve zero carbon emissions and reach 100 percent of clean energy by 2050…reports Asian Lite News
Al Tayer made these remarks in his keynote speech at the World Cities Day, which was organised by the UN Habitat, Dubai Executive Council, and The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) with the theme ‘Better City, Better Life,’ at Expo 2020 Dubai. That was part of the Urban and Rural Development Week, which brings together leaders, experts and specialists to discuss the challenge the world’s existing cities and communities face and explores how to transform the way we move, build, consume and live in the habitats of the future. The World Cities Day addressed many topics including adapting to climate change and enhancing the resilience of cities, especially after recovering from COVID-19 crisis. A large number of local and international officials, CEOs, experts and scientists took part in the event.
Dubai unveils roadmap for carbon-neutral economy by 2050
“Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, we are turning challenges into promising opportunities. During Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE announced a strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, making the UAE the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to do so. We will do this by intensifying the nation’s efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth with a direct positive impact on the GDP. in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to promote the transformation of Dubai to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has approved an in-depth study on how the Emirate of Dubai can achieve carbon neutrality (Net Zero Emissions) by 2050 through a clear strategy and roadmap to transform Dubai into a centre of excellence in the essential new technologies to achieve zero carbon emissions and reach 100 percent of clean energy by 2050. Dubai has an ambitious plan for the next thirty years. Programs and mechanisms have been developed for the next period. It includes the energy and water sectors, transportation, industry, buildings, and waste. The plan also includes all the necessary enablers, regulations and R&D,” Al Tayer said.
“The ‘Projects of the 50’ initiative launched by our wise leadership aims to diversify and strengthen the UAE’s economy. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has praised the public and private sectors for their robust response to the wide-ranging challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE has presented a global role model in dealing with crises and overcoming challenges. It made significant achievements with its flexibility and efficiency; presenting best practices that will bring about fundamental positive changes to our planet. Despite the pandemic, we maintained our business continuity by implementing our sustainable projects and initiatives, as well as mitigating climate change by balancing economic development and preserving a clean, healthy, safe, and sustainable environment,” Al Tayer added.
“Cities around the world are increasingly suffering from the effects of climate and other challenges; such as floods, droughts, sea level rise, heatwaves, landslides, and storms. In the UAE, we have a clear strategies and plans to deal with climate change and address its overall impact. Promoting a climate-resilient economy to face climate change is a prerequisite for the UAE and Dubai to make this transformation. Dubai Government works closely with organisations that are addressing climate change and its impact, and has also set mitigation and adaptation plans for the Emirate. One of these plans is the Dubai Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Our plans are well aligned with this strategy based on our Climate Change Resilience Plan to assess and realistically forecast climate change. The plan identifies existing mitigation measures, preventative controls, and measures to ensure resilience in the future, as well as address the impact of various climate change drivers. The UAE has launched pioneering projects to diversify its clean energy mix. These include all available clean and renewable energy sources and technologies such as solar photovoltaic systems, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), green hydrogen production using solar power, pumped-storage water technology, electricity generation from wind power, as well as peaceful nuclear power,” he added.
Al Tayer said that in 2019, Dubai once again proved its commitment and efforts to ensuring city sustainability, through Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), by achieving a platinum rating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Cities certification awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Dubai is the First City in the Arab world and the Middle East and North Africa to obtain this certification. Last September, Dubai was ranked first globally for its resilience and recognised as a role model for sustainability by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The award is presented to the best global cities in the efficiency of measures that enhance resilience and reduce risks. Dubai joined the world’s C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, becoming part of an elite group of the world’s cities committed to fighting climate change. This is a recognition of the city’s advanced role in environmental protection. Dubai also achieved significant reductions in carbon emissions. Net CO2 emissions in Dubai decreased by 22 percent in 2019, two years ahead of the target of the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2021 to reduce carbon emissions by 16 percent in 2021. The Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2030, which has 11 programmes, achieved significant results between 2011 and 2020. In 2020, the annual per capita consumption of electricity decreased by 23 percent, and water consumption lowered by 21 percent compared to 2010. The total savings were 25 TWh of electricity and 40 billion imperial gallons of desalinated water, equivalent to a reduction of 11.5 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions for the same period.
Al Tayer said that Dubai continues to roll out the phases of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. It is based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model and has a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030. We also commissioned the Green Hydrogen project at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. “We are also developing an ambitious strategy for green hydrogen production to increase its uses in all suitable applications in the short, medium and long term until 2050.”
“Clearly, we need to address it. Clearly, we need to support the most vulnerable to cope. To do so successfully, greater ambition is now critical,” she underlined…reports Asian Lite News.
Following a series of reports and studies warning that urgent action is needed to keep the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global average temperature increases to 1.5C within reach, the Un Climate Change Conference (COP26) opened with the key aims of raising ambition on all fronts and finalising the agreement’s implementation guidelines.
“We are extremely grateful to the government of the UK for hosting this crucially important conference in these unprecedented times and for making every effort to keep all participants safe and healthy,” UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa said on Sunday.
“The devastating loss of lives and livelihoods this year due to extreme weather events clarifies how important it is to convene COP26 despite the impacts of the pandemic still being felt. We are on track for a global temperature rise of 2.7C, while we should be heading for the 1.5C goal. Clearly, we are in a climate emergency.
“Clearly, we need to address it. Clearly, we need to support the most vulnerable to cope. To do so successfully, greater ambition is now critical,” she underlined.
Greater ambition is required to achieve progress on all elements of the climate change agenda, including reducing emissions, moving adaptation to the centre of the agenda, addressing loss and damage from extreme climatic events and increasing the provision of support to developing countries.
A central issue is the provision of support to developing countries, especially in relation to the goal of mobilising $100 billion annually by 2020. Financial support is crucial for all elements of the climate change regime, including mitigation, but also in terms of adaptation, capacity-building, technology transfer and several other elements.
Many parties, especially developing countries, feel that in order to advance towards full implementation of the Paris Agreement, previous commitments should first be honoured.
Finalising the Paris Agreement’s implementation guidelines will enable the full implementation of all provisions, which will unleash more ambitious climate actions by all its parties.
Specifically, the outstanding guidelines relate to the details around the global goal on adaptation, how to report climate action and support transparently, and the use of market-based mechanisms and non-market approaches.
“We have no choice but to make COP26 a success. For that, we need unity of purpose. We need to leave Glasgow with a balanced package of decisions that reflects the positions of all countries. With a willingness to compromise among the many perspectives we can arrive at workable, ambitious solutions that will help us keep the 1.5C goal within reach. We stand ready to work with all parties and to leave no voice behind to reach this important goal,” Espinosa said.
Having been postponed by a year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and having to address items from COP25 held in 2019, COP26 has a huge agenda beyond the key aims.
Alok Sharma (IANS)
Addressing the conference following his election, COP President Alok Sharma thanked delegates for travelling to Glasgow and outlined the urgent need for action.
“As COP President I am committed to promoting transparency and inclusivity. And I will lead this conference in accordance with the draft rules of procedure, and with the utmost respect for the party-driven nature of our process.
“In that spirit I believe we can resolve the outstanding issues. We can move the negotiations forward. We can launch a decade of ever-increasing ambition and action. Together, we can seize the enormous opportunities for green growth, for good green jobs, for cheaper, cleaner power.
“But we must hit the ground running to develop the solutions we need. And that work starts today. We will succeed, or fail, as one,” he said.
On climate, the world will succeed, or fail, as one.
Following a procedural opening on Sunday, to enable work to begin quickly, Monday and Tuesday will be the World Leaders Summit with the presence of Royalty and more than 100 heads of state or government.
The World Leaders Summit provides all heads of state or government with the opportunity to set the stage for COP26.
A number of key ministerial and other events around current climate change efforts will take place during the COP. These include the fourth biennial high-level Ministerial Dialog on climate finance, the first Ministerial Dialog on climate finance under the Paris Agreement, several workshops and events to advance gender-related issues and the annual meeting with the participation of indigenous peoples and traditional knowledge.
