UN Climate Change Conference (COP26)

Climate change is one of the biggest threats the world is facing today. The irregularity in temperatures adversely impacts almost all aspects of the natural world, affecting the survival and growth of many species of animals and plants on earth. The alteration of global weather patterns caused by an increase in the emission of greenhouse gasses is a significant cause of global warming. The continuous rise in temperatures and more frequent extreme weather conditions may lead to widespread extinction of creatures, destruction of biodiversity, and loss of natural habitats for various species. The world’s leading countries are joining hands to combat this global environmental crisis by taking some conscious efforts and actionable steps. The aim is to create and implement policies toward building a greener and most sustainable future suitable for economic growth and development. 

What is COP 26?

The United Nations (UN) has been instrumental in bringing together almost every country worldwide for a global summit to discuss and take action to address climate concerns. This global convention is known as the Conference of the Parties (COP). At the meeting, countries are expected to present their missions and visions to tackle climate concerns and build on their climate pledges to mitigate present and future challenges. The 26th convention of COP was held in Glasgow, the UK, in November 2021. This annual convention, or COP26, brought together the 197 members to decide on action plans to deal with the issue of climate change. The representatives of different countries expressed their views on climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The leaders discussed the severe environmental impacts caused by climate change in different parts of the world. 

The efforts of developing countries to move away from fossil fuels were highly encouraged, which has the most direct impact on climate change. South Asian countries are among the most affected regions to bear the risk of climate change impacts such as droughts, cyclones, erratic rainfall, etc. South Asian nations rely on financial support from their more affluent counterparts to enhance the mitigation of environmental challenges and implement action plans. COP 26 is the platform to make rich nations accountable for their role in supporting developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change by providing funding and access to advanced technology.

Background of COP:

The 21st Conference of the Parties or COP21 meeting held in 2015 was very significant as the countries agreed to comply with the Paris Agreement and follow strict guidelines as highlighted in the agreement. These include rules and processes on how to measure and report each country’s carbon emissions and how to take control measures to improve climatic conditions. This landmark step was taken to make each country accountable for implementing its pledges to reduce harmful emissions and adaptation of necessary measures as a part of the collective effort to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius. The future target is to keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The success of the Paris Agreement depends on how these initiatives are taken forward effectively in subsequent meetings.

Importance of COP26:

• The participating countries in COP26 presented their action plans for climate control, building on their current climate pledges.
• Some countries like China, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and France have already started working toward the set deadlines to become carbon neutral, which means they will restrict greenhouse gas emissions to the level they can absorb.
• Other contributing partners, including India, also assured control measures to reduce the emissions towards implementing a transition to cleaner energy resources and improving climate conditions. 
• The countries that participated in COP26 also raised their voices on the role of water and its conservation in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
• The transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future is possible with collective efforts and bold actions by governments.
• The authorities in respective countries should encourage the reduction of fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy. The transition can be facilitated through investment, policies, and regulatory reforms. 

Important Points About COP26:

• Over 40 nations are assured to take actions to reduce coal use within 2030 significantly. 
• Over 100 national governments signed a declaration on facilitating the transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles. 
• The target is to make cars and vans with zero emission globally by 2040. 
• The Indian government has set aggressive targets for low-carbon power by 2030.

Important Points About COP27:

The 27th session of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP 27) will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. COP 27 was initially scheduled to take place from November 8 to November 20, 2021. COP 26 was moved from November 2020 to November 2021 because of the COVID-19 epidemic. As a result, COP 27 will be held from November 7 to November 18, 2022.

Conclusion:

The world faces the consequences of harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and urgent action is required to prevent further ecosystem deterioration and biodiversity erosion. The rapid climate change may lead to the problem with food and habitat and the vulnerability of economies due to the impacts of climate change. A concerted effort to address climate change requires the international community’s involvement to provide significant support for implementing strategies and mechanisms to address the damage in climate-vulnerable countries.