Science, Solutions, Solidarity
For a livable future
COP26: An agreement to build on
“The outcome of COP26 is a compromise. It reflects the interests, the contradictions and the state of political will in the world today. It is an important step, but it is not enough,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the conclusion of the conference.
The Glasgow Climate Pact, adopted by almost 200 countries after two intense weeks of negotiations, will not radically alter the global landscape on climate change. It does provide important advances, however. For starters, it recognizes the global climate emergency, citing recent IPCC findings. It expresses “alarm and utmost concern that human activities have caused around 1.1°C of global warming to date and that impacts are already being felt in every region.” Parties also recognize that the impacts of climate change will be much lower at a 1.5°C rise compared with 2°C, and resolved to pursue efforts to keep to 1.5°C.
UN Chief: Glasgow important but not enough
The Secretary-General, in a statement on the conclusion of COP26, said the conference outcome reflected the state of political will in the world today and provided building blocks for progress. “We are in the fight of our lives, and this fight must be won,” he said. “Never give up. Never retreat. Keep pushing forward.”
Selwin Hart on financing adaptation
As the Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action, Selwin Hart spearheads a global drive to raise climate ambition now. In this interview, he talks about the critical need for developed countries to finance climate adaptation to save lives and protect livelihoods in countries facing the worst consequences from climate.
Celebrating climate innovation
The UN Global Climate Action awards singled out 11 game-changing innovations showing how much people can do to avert the climate crisis. Coming from every part of the world, they range from the first renewable island community to a solar energy finance provider, from a sustainable fashion house to a metropolitan climate action plan.
Protect our future, youth demand
Young climate leaders came together with negotiators, officials and ministers from across the world at COP26 in Glasgow, demanding action needed to prevent catastrophic climate change.
We won’t reach our destination in one day or one conference. But I know we can get there.”
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COP26: Highlights and Conclusions
After two weeks of tough negotiations, the 26th UN Climate Conference has come to an end. Member States reached an agreement that the United Nations Secretary-General called an important step in addressing climate change, but not enough. In this conversation wrap-up, learn about the facts and highlights of the Conference.
Green Transport
Paloma Costa, a Brazilian climate activist and member of the Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change sets out the path to green transport, guided by the Paris Climate Agreement.
Tears, fears and fossil fuels
At times it seemed that a COP26 resolution was still hours or even days away but, on Saturday evening, a final document was finally adopted, despite the misgivings expressed by many countries at revised language regarding fossil fuels.
Posters for Climate Action
What is climate change?
Our climate 101 offers a quick take on the how and why of climate change.
Climate action fast facts
Explore how climate intersects with issues from food to energy to jobs.
Climate leaders
Interviews capture the latest thinking on climate talks, science and action.
