COP26 ends with some consensus

Deliberations within the current session of the COP, CMP and CMA came to an end last Saturday (13/11), in Glasgow, one day after its scheduled closing. The broad set of decisions, resolutions and declarations that constitute the outcome of COP26 are the result of intense negotiations over the last two weeks, hard formal and informal work over many months, and constant engagement both in person and virtually for almost two years. The adopted package is a global commitment that reflects a delicate balance between the interests and aspirations of almost 200 Parties to the basic instruments of the international regime that governs global efforts against climate change.

Under the UK Presidency and with the support of the UNFCCC Secretariat, delegates reached agreements that strengthen ambition across the three pillars of collective climate action.

Adaptation was the subject of particular emphasis during the deliberations. The parties have established a work program to define the global adaptation goal, which will identify collective needs and solutions to the climate crisis that is already affecting many countries. The Santiago Network has been further strengthened with the elaboration of its support functions for countries to address and manage losses and damages. And the CMA approved the two registries for NDCs and Adaptation Communications, which serve as channels for the flow of information towards the Global Stocktake due to occur every five years from 2023.

Finances were extensively discussed during the session and there was consensus on the need to continue increasing support for developing countries. The call to at least double funding for adaptation was welcomed by the parties. The duty to fulfill the promise of providing 100 billion dollars annually from developed countries to developing countries was also reaffirmed. And a process to define the new global finance goal has been launched.

On mitigation, the persistent gap in emissions has been clearly identified and Parties have collectively agreed to work to reduce this gap and ensure that the world continues to move forward during the current decade so that the increase in average temperature is limited to 1,5 degrees . Parties are encouraged to strengthen their emissions reductions and align their national climate action pledges with the Paris Agreement.

Furthermore, an important outcome is the completion of the so-called Paris rulebook. Agreement has been reached on key standards relating to Article 6 on carbon markets, which will make the Paris Agreement fully operational. This will give certainty and predictability to market and non-market approaches in support of mitigation as well as adaptation. And negotiations on the Enhanced Transparency Framework have also been completed, providing agreed tables and formats for accounting and reporting targets and emissions.

Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary said: “I thank the Presidency and all Ministers for their tireless efforts throughout the conference and congratulate all Parties on finalizing the rulebook. This is an excellent achievement! This means that the Paris Agreement can now fully function for the benefit of everyone, now and in the future. ”

Alok Sharma, UK President of COP26 said: “We can now credibly say we have kept 1,5 degrees alive. But its pulse is weak and it will only survive if we keep our promises and translate commitments into swift action. I am grateful to the UNFCCC for working with us to deliver a successful COP26. ”

The Heads of State and Government and the delegates who participated in COP26 brought to the conference a strong awareness of the gravity of the climate crisis facing the world and the need to fulfill the historic responsibility of putting the world on the path to face this existential challenge. They leave Glasgow with clarity about the work that needs to be done, more robust and effective instruments to achieve it, and a greater commitment to driving climate action – and doing it faster – across all areas.

Other information:

1. Latest Information on COP26

2. Climate change: What are the big polluters doing to cut carbon emissions?

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4. COP26 comes to an end, but there is still a lot to be done

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6. 'COP26 hasn't solved the problem': scientists react to UN climate deal