COP 26 OUTCOMES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

 

“The COP 26 outcome is a compromise, reflecting the interests, contradictions & state of political will in the world today. It's an important step, but it's not enough. It's time to go into emergency mode. The climate battle is the fight of our lives & that fight must be won.” - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in a video on Twitter At the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 26), which wrapped up over the weekend, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) worked to drive global action on three core policy areas: mitigation, adaptation and finance. With new pledges from world governments shared in the lead up to and at the conference; UNEP published an addendum to its 2021 Emissions Gap Report, demonstrating that efforts are still not strong enough to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. "The reality is that the sum total of our climate efforts thus far is like an elephant giving birth to a mouse," said UNEP’s Executive Director Inger Andersen, calling attention to the “leadership gap” cited by many at Glasgow. Nature-based solutions were also in the spotlight. "Nations must ensure the ocean is more prominent in climate discussions – because the ocean and its health is integral to the heritage, economies and livelihoods of Small Island Developing States, and crucial to the world’s climate," Andersen emphasized at one such event.

Highlights COP 26 set the stage for innovation and partnerships for climate action. Here are some highlights from UNEP’s in-person and online delegation:   Calling for more ambition: Through robust science, the 2021 editions of the Emissions Gap Report, Adaptation Gap Report, and Production Gap Report outline where things stand and urgent steps to be taken to prevent catastrophic impact. Delivering climate-friendly cooling: The UNEP-led Cool Coalition announced a series of steps to reduce the climate impact of the cooling industry, including a GBP 12 million boost from the UK Government. Reducing methane emissions: With support from the European Union, the International Methane Emissions Observatory was launched to drive action on reducing methane emissions – a powerful greenhouse gas responsible for at least a quarter of the current climate warming. The launch followed an ambitious global pledge to slash methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.  Universities pledge to net-zero: Over 1,000 universities from 68 countries made a range of new commitments to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and transform their impact on nature, including a new initiative on nature-positive universities. Boosting adaptation through nature-based solutions: An additional €10m was added to the Global EbA Fund, a pioneering funding mechanism designed to support nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation. Read more about the outcomes for adaptation here. Technology: Agreements related to technology have been approved and have been updated to be strong and positive and in line with the UN Climate Technology Centre & Network’s work.   For more information: COP 26 ends with agreement but falls short on climate action Explore five ecosystems where nature-based solutions can deliver huge benefits A look at what COP 26 means for adaptation

What can you do? Meaningful changes in consumption and lifestyles do make a difference, such as switching to renewable energy sources, avoiding fossil fuel transportation when possible, and eating a more plant-rich diet. These can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Individuals can also put pressure on corporations, cities and governments to increase ambition and act accordingly - and join communities of like-minded people for climate and nature action. Make your voice heard -- Act Now: Speak Up!