A Conference For Environment

Environment thrives at the cost of constant consumption by human beings. Though most of us are of the view that the environment is inexhaustible, little do we know that one day everything will come to an end if we don't take measures to conserve and preserve our environment.

COP26; Image Source: Public Domain

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP, held its 26th conference from 31 October to 13 November 2021 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, Scotland. The UK Cabinet Minister Alok Sharma headed the conference. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the COP was not held last year. After the Paris agreement, the COP was held for the very first time. In the Paris agreement, the countries that were a part of COP were expected to make enhanced commitments towards mitigating climate change and its effects. They also made an agreement to adopt a process colloquially known as ‘ratchet mechanism’. This process was to be adopted to provide improved national pledges.

The United Kingdoms held the responsibility of COP26 until the arrival of COP27. Initially, Claire Perry was appointed as the president of the conference, but by 2021, Alok Sharma was appointed as the president of the conference. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was postponed to 31 October - 12 November 2021. Both Italy and the United Kingdom were heavily affected by the pandemic, and the SEC Center in Glasgow was also converted into a temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients.

The UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) united 120 world pioneers and more than 40,000 enlisted members, including 22,274 party delegates, 14.124 eyewitnesses, and 3.886 media agents. For a considerable length of time, the world was bolted on all aspects of environmental change — the science, the arrangements, the political will to act, and obvious signs of activity.

The result of COP26 – the Glasgow Climate Pact – is the product of serious arrangements among just about 200 nations over the fourteen days, arduous formal and casual work over numerous months, and consistent commitment both face to face and essentially for almost two years.

"The supporting texts are a trade-off," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. "They mirror the interests, the conditions, the logical inconsistencies, and the condition of political will on the planet today. They make significant strides, yet sadly the aggregate political will was adequately not to defeat some profound inconsistencies."

The following points were discussed at COP 26 that has now become the goal of each and every nation:

1. Secure global net-zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach

Countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century.

To deliver on these stretching targets, countries will need to:

1. accelerate the phase-out of coal

2. curtail deforestation

3. speed up the switch to electric vehicles

4. encourage investment in renewables

2. Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats

The climate is constantly changing, and it will continue to change with changes in emission patterns. At COP26, the following things have been listed to help the countries worst affected due to climate change:

1. protect and restore ecosystems

2. build defences, warning systems and resilient infrastructure and agriculture to avoid loss of homes, livelihoods and even lives

3. Mobilise finances

To deliver on the first two goals, developed countries must make good on their promise to mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year by 2020.

4. Last but not least, work together to face the challenges of the climate crisis.