COP26 or 26th COP-OUT?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (and he’s up and out to the gym at 5 am every morning, so that’s no excuse!), you’ll be aware that the COP26, or the 26th ‘Conference of Parties’, began this week.
More to the point, you’ll also know, therefore, that there’s just one agenda on the table. One that Austin Powers would be proud of…
.. Save the planet, baby!
However, as hopeful as such an event can be for those of us interested in having a future, COP26 has quite rightly drawn narrowed eyes and furrowed brows as the last several conferences yielded more hot air than the entire aviation industry.
Thus, as the countdown to the launch of Dr Evil’s climate doomsday device rapidly descends towards zero, it’s time for the world’s leaders to stand up and be counted, or, quite frankly, to stand down.
So, which will it be…
COP26 Daily Summary
Day 13 – Well That Went Well… Almost
- Glasgow Climate Pact Agreed… With Last Minute Disappointment
Yes, the Glasgow Climate Pact has finally been signed off and the measures documented therein are the strongest seen in 30 years of climate conferences.
While this represents a step in the right direction, what we need is a leap and, unfortunately, as it stands global temperatures still stand to rise by a catastrophic 2 degrees.
… On a lighter note, however, the Duchess of York was apparently delighted to hear US President Joe Biden pass wind in front of her at the COP, so silver linings and all that!
- Wealthy Hold Hands Up
The richest, most polluting nations accepted that they haven’t done enough to curtail their emissions and thus, have pledged to double the funding available to poorer, developing nations to help combat the effects of climate change.
- Groundbreaking Coal Legislation Confirmed
The “phasing down” of the dirtiest fossil fuel, coal, has been detailed in a COP deal for the first time in 30 years of conferences. However, this represents a softening of terms compared to earlier drafts of the Pact and, regrettably, a major blemish in the fight against climate change.
- India Insists On Coal Correction
India led a successful, 11th-hour opposition to the wording of text regarding coal. Consequently, rather than the Pact documenting a commitment to “Phasing OUT coal”, it reads a commitment to “Phasing DOWN coal.”
But why?
India still generates 70% of its energy from the burning of coal and so the country’s Environment and Climate Minister, Bhupender Yadav asked:
“How anyone could expect developing countries to make promises on phasing out coal when they have still to deal with their development agendas and eradicating poverty.”
- World Laments Lost Coal Contract
This critical last-minute rewording has been met with disappointment and despair by many of the countries present. In particular, those who stand to suffer most at the hands of climate change voiced their desolation.
“There was a conversation we were not a part of and it was a real blow. We had been told that there would be no further changes to the text and we had already swallowed some changes that were difficult to swallow.”
– Tina Stege, Marshall Islands Delegate
- Emotional Cop President Recognises “Fragile Win”
Alok Sharma said he wished that the last-minute amendments had never been made. Even so, the line calling for the “phase down” of coal is still unprecedented.
“We have kept 1.5C alive – that was our overarching objective… but I would still say that the pulse of 1.5C is weak.”
- Kerry Conveys COP Optimism
“Paris built the arena and Glasgow starts the race. Tonight the starting gun was fired. We have about nine years in which to make the critical decisions we were warned about in 2018 by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)… As a result of what took place here… nations that have never considered having the word ‘coal’ in a plan – it’s on the books, it’s part of the decision.”
– US Climate Envoy, John Kerry
Day 12
- Second Draft Raises Eyebrows & Seas
The second draft of a potential Glasgow Climate Agreement demonstrated promise but would still see temperature rises exceed 1.5 degrees.
Tougher regulations on fossil fuels and their subsidies are still required if the world is to meet its goals.
- Amazon On Brink Of Collapse
A study has found that the Amazon rainforest is on the brink of a “.. catastrophic potential tipping point…” due to forest fires, degradation, deforestation and climate heating.
If the tipping point is reached, the rainforest will convert to savannah, a process that would lead to the rapid acceleration of global warming.
- Countries Object To Fossil Fuel Soft Touch
The likes of Costa Rica and Norway have criticised COP26’s “softening of approach” towards the ending of fossil fuel subsidies.
- Campaigners Call Out COP Negotiators
Climate campaigners have called for an official agreement amongst rich, industrialised countries to compensate those in the Global South that are already suffering at the hands of climate change.
- Talks Turn Into Sleepover
Climate talks are to continue through the night as negotiators have failed to secure a climate agreement that appeases all countries and keeps the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees.
Day 11
- UN Secretary General Reiterates Reservations
António Gutteres criticised a lack of ambition at the summit and called for an end to trillion dollar fossil fuels subsidies.
- Vanessa Is Voice Of People
Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate has been speaking on behalf of communities on the front line of climate change:
“We are drowning in promises. Promises will not stop the suffering of the people.”
- Former Aussie COP Delegate Takes Aim At Own
Richie Merzian stated that Australia is climate problem nation comparable to Russia and Saudi Arabia.
“.. All Canberra has brought to the COP is good coffee.”
Day 10
- First Draft Leaves Bad Smell
The first draft of the Glasgow Climate Agreement talks the talk on a strong commitment to restricting global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees… but fails to walk the walk.
Fossil fuels had a passing mention but not enough…
“The First rule of holes is that when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. And we’re still digging the hole deeper by paying people to pollute and to produce and use more carbon. It’s insane.”
– E3G Senior Associate Alden Meyer
For those wondering, the second rule of holes is that “You do not talk about holes!”
- Boris Calls For Collaboration
UK Prime Minister urges delegates to herald the “.. beginning of the end to anthropogenic climate change.”
He even set an example by taking the train back up to Glasgow – WOWZERS!
- Talks Slip On Saudi Oil Slick
Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Energy asked the world to reign in energy bias:
“It is imperative that we recognise the diversity of climate solutions and the importance of emissions reduction, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement, without any bias towards or against any particular source of energy.”
Hmmm…
- Combustion Engine Deal Up In Flames
Germany, US, China, Japan, South Korea and a whole host of car manufacturers including Toyota, BMW and Nissan have refused to sign a deal proposed by the UK COP presidency that would signal the beginning of the end of the combustion engine.
However, many big players in the industry did sign up including General Motors, Land Rover and Mercedes Benz and countries such as Canada, UK, Poland, Kenya and India.
- China & US Spring Surprise
International sparring partners China and the US announced a joint declaration that would yield close collaboration on work towards the emissions cuts required of both nations to meet a 1.5 degree temperature rise.
The declaration includes regulation of decarbonisation, deforestation and methane emissions. Huzzah!
Day 9
- CAT Calls Out Catastrophe
Climate Action Tracker, the world’s most revered climate analysis coalition, has warned that based on the current, short-term pledges and commitments made, the world is still headed for a disastrous temperature rise of 2.4 degrees.
- 2 Degrees Is 2 Much
According to the UK Met Office, a temperature rise of 2 degrees would be enough to cause extreme heat stress in over 1 billion people.
- 47 Countries Hang Hat On Climate-Resilient Health
All four UK Health Secretaries pledge to create climate-resilient health services which are currently responsible for 4.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Day 8
- Fossil Fuels Industry Crashes Party
It’s hard to believe, but reports suggest that 503 delegates present at the COP have affiliations with gas, oil or coal corporations. That is the largest presence at the event!
Let’s hope they’ve come to stop, collaborate and listen rather than curtail.
- Obama Pulls No Punches
Former US President Barack Obama criticised Russia and China’s “.. dangerous absence of urgency…” regarding the climate crisis.
He also told young people to stay frustrated and apply pressure to force through change and announced that President Biden’s $555bn climate package will pass through Congress, in some form, over the coming weeks.
- Bolivian Blood Boils Over
Bolivia’s Chief Negotiator, Diego Pacheco Balanza, has accused rich nations of “diplomatic bullying” as they try to avoid discussing climate compensation and finance.
- The Heat Of Red October
According to Copernicus, the EU’s Earth Observation Programme, temperatures in October 2021 were 0.42 degrees warmer than the 1991-2020 average.
- Africa’s $700bn Question
African nations want to open discussions regarding the provision of $700bn a year, from 2025, to help mitigate the climate crisis.
Day 6
- Millions Take To The Streets During A Second Day Of Global Protests
From Glasgow to Sydney and Paris to Istanbul, over 250 events took place around the world as activists rallied to protest climate inaction.
Let’s hope the politicians are getting the message!
- Idris And Vanessa Draw Attention To Small-Scale Farmers
UN Goodwill Ambassador Idris Elba and Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate pushed sustainable agriculture to the fore.
It’s estimated that small-scale farmers produce over 80% of the world’s food supply and if the way that we/they operate doesn’t change…
“.. One day we’ll go to Sainsbury’s or Marks & Spencer and food will not be there.” stated Elba, whose presence was buoyed by the recent discovery that the Bifröst’s power is drawn from entirely renewable energy sources.
- Speaking Of Sustainable Farming…
A coalition of 45 countries has pledged “urgent action and investment to protect nature and shift to more sustainable ways of farming,”
This includes leveraging US$4bn+ of investment into agricultural innovation.
“We cannot phase out food like we can phase out fossil fuels and therefore we welcome the Policy Action Agenda for transition to sustainable food and agriculture.”
– Joao Campari, WWF Global Food Practise Leader
- US Plans To Make Carbon Capture Cheaper
US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm, stated that the US Department of Energy wants to reduce capture costs to $100 per ton of carbon captured by 2030.
At those rates even I might head out with my net!
Day 5
- Thousands March For Youth Protest
Children, parents and teachers took to the streets of Glasgow to demand that world leaders do more to stop catastrophic climate change.
- Eye Watering Emissions From Top 1%
Scientists have revealed that emissions released by the richest of society will be 30 times greater, alone, than those needed to successfully avoid a global temperature rise that surpasses 1.5 degrees.
- UN Update Casts Stark Prediction
An updated analysis by the UN predicts that global carbon emissions will increase by 13.7% by 2030 despite current efforts.
When compared to the 50% reduction required to avoid warming above 1.5 degrees, it’s concerning, to say the least.
- US Climate Envoy Promises $100 Billion By 2022
John Kerry has announced that the $100bn climate package promised by rich nations to poor nations by 2022. However, this is still two years later than the funds were initially planned.
- Energy Transition Commission Piles On The Pressure
The ETC has calculated that if all the commitments made during the first week of COP26 are met, it would still only amount to 40% of the total cuts needed.
As a result, further cuts are required in order to avoid a catastrophic rise in global temperatures.
Day 4
- Christmas Comes Early As 40 Reject Coal
Over 40 countries have agreed to end the extraction and burning of coal between 2030-2040. This includes coal-hungry nations such as Vietnam, Poland and Chile.
However, some of the world’s biggest coal burners refused to sign the agreement. These include Australia, China and the US. Humbug.
- Half Of Fossil Fuels Could Become Worthless by 2036
If pledges to transition towards greener energy sources are fulfilled, it’s now estimated a drop in demand for oil and gas will see their worth plummet.
This will cause countries that drag their feet in the decarbonisation process to suffer, with those quicker to convert profiting greatly.
- UN Special Advisor Adds A Little Perspective
Selwin Hart warned the world not to get carried away, stating that we remain on:
“..a 2.7-degree pathway, a catastrophic pathway…”
- Sporting Giants Agree To New Targets
The Premier League, Formula E and the Olympic Committee have agreed to implement new targets designed to reach net zero by 2040.
This includes a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas release by 2030.
- Great Barrier Reef Study Yields Sobering Statistic
A recent study has found that just 2% of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral has avoided bleaching since 1998. This suggests that vast swathes of the giant coral structure may never recover.
Day 3
- 20+ Countries Vow To Cease Financing Overseas Fossil Fuels
The estimated $8bn (annually) generated by the “Powering Past Coal Alliance” is, instead, to fund the development and implementation of green energy. Signatories include the UK, US, Ukraine and countries beginning with other letters of the alphabet such as Denmark and Estonia.
- World’s Top Financiers Enter Pledge To Reach Net Zero
This agreement, known formally as the Glasgow Financial Alliance For Net Zero (GFANZ), should see $130tn of assets, owned by the world’s biggest banks, achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- University Of Melbourne Provides Quarter-Time Team Talk
According to the Aussie uni, if all the targets laid out at COP26, thus far, are met, the world stands to warm by 1.9 degrees. Still too much but the first time a slightly more palatable estimation has been made.
Day 2
- World Leaders To Swap Deforesting For Reforesting By 2030
Yes indeed, more than 100 world leaders, including Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, have committed to ending and reversing deforestation by 2030. This includes a pledge of £14bn public and private funds to help enact the initiative.
However, a similar agreement was reached before, in 2014, and nothing really came of it, so watch this space.
- US President No Longer Biden His Time On Methane
Joe Biden announced that an agreement, amongst 80+ countries, has been reached to cut global methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
While this might seem an underwhelming percentage, methane is a greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide, so cutting its emission in any proportion is a step in the right direction. Moreover, it’s thought the first step taken will be to introduce a landmark global tax on brussel sprouts…
.. Ok, I made that last bit up.
- Africa Pledges $6bn Towards Adapting To Climate Impacts
While most of these funds will be drawn from its tax revenues, Africa has asked the richer, more developed nations to contribute $2.5 billion a year too.
- Clean Breakthrough for Clean Energy
World leaders who represent over half of the world’s economy pledged to coordinate and accelerate the implementation of clean technologies this decade.
“This is what the future of COP is all about – catalysing an innovative ambition loop between political leadership and the dynamism of the private sector to drive towards a resilient, prosperous zero carbon future…”
– UN High-Level Climate Champions for COP25 and COP26, Nigel Topping and Gonzalo Munoz.
- Ecuador To Expand Marine Reserve
It already boasts one of the largest marine preservation areas in the world, but now Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has announced that its Galapagos Marine Reserve will be expanded by 60,000km².
This will protect endangered hammerhead shark, sea turtle and mermaid feeding and breeding grounds.
- US, EU & UK Sign On To Help South Africa Reduce Coal Reliance
That’s a collective $8.5bn to help one of the world’s largest coal-electricity generators transition to cleaner sources.
Day 1
- England Prime Minister Boris Johnson Tells World It’s Time To Get Serious:
“.. If we don’t get serious about climate change today, it will be too late for our children to get serious about it tomorrow.”
- UN Secretary General António Guterres Conveys Grave News… Literally!
“It’s time to say: enough. Enough of brutalising biodiversity. Enough of killing ourselves with carbon. Enough of treating nature like a toilet. Enough of burning and drilling and mining our way deeper. We are digging our own graves.”
- Sir David Attenborough Delivers Passion And Optimism
“It comes down to this. The people alive now and the generation to come will look at this conference and consider one thing: did the number (of carbon parts per million in the atmosphere) stop rising and start to drop as a result of commitments made here?
There’s every reason to believe that the answer can be yes. If working apart we are a force powerful enough to destabilise our planet, surely working together we are powerful enough to save it.”
- Indigenous Climate Activist Doesn’t Hold Back
Brazilian Amazonian Txai Surui told world leaders that they have “closed their eyes” to climate change and pleaded for indigenous people to be put at the centre of the decisions made as they are on the “front line of the climate emergency.”
- Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley Appeals To World Leaders’ Hearts
“For those who have eyes to see, for those who have ears to listen and for those who have a heart to feel, 1.5 is what we need to survive…”
“.. 2 degrees Celsius of heating is a death sentence for the people of Antigua and Barbuda, for the people of the Maldives, for the people of the Dominica and Fiji, for the people of Kenya and Mozambique, and yes, for the people of Samoa and Barbados.”
- China No-Show But India Pledge Net-Zero by 2070
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi coupled a pledge to achieve net zero by 2070 (20-30 years after most) with a commitment to sourcing 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
- Boris Reasserts His Wazzock Credentials
In classic eye-rolling style, Boris Johnson confirmed he is to fly back to London in a private jet once the conference has ended. What a wazzock!
