The 2021 UN Climate Change Conference known as COP26, set itself four goals to achieve from the event: Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach, Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats, Mobilise finance in order to deliver he first two goals, and finally to Work together to deliver by which the intention was to finalise the Paris Rulebook and accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis.
While the resultant agreements saw the drafted language softened slightly, it was the first Conference of Parties to mention the impact of fossil fuels on global temperature change and embrace the urgent need for action in this area.
On final signing, all nations agreed to the phasedown of unabated coal power and phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies as well as limiting warming to 1.5°C.
In addition to a pledge to halt deforestation by 2030 and the commitment to reducing methane emissions by 30% before 2030 compared with 2020 levels, all counties finally completed the ‘Paris Rulebook’, which provides the framework for delivering the provisions agreed upon in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Finally, COP26 provided the UK, as the host nation, with the stage to lead by example through the setting out of its ambitious Net Zero Strategy to 2050¹ in which it outlines measures to transition to a green and sustainable future and by 2035 for the UK to be powered entirely by “clean electricity”.
“We were pleased to attend COP26 in November where global leaders come together to collaborate on the fight against climate change.”
Simon Crowe, Low Carbon Alliance:
“We were pleased to attend COP26 in November where global leaders come together to collaborate on the fight against climate change.
It was impressive to see how the role of green hydrogen has been embraced by heavy industry and the aviation sectors. The production of green hydrogen is dependent on renewable electricity being used in the Electrolysis process.”
The UK hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 1 – 12 November 2021.
¹Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-2938-6
