COP26

Together for our planet



Read on to see what 200 countries had agreed on for our planet

What is the COP?

For two weeks, the world was riveted on all facets of climate change: the science, solutions, political will and clear indications of action.
COP stands for conference of the parties under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

What are the goals?

  1. Secure global net-zero by 2050 and keep 1.5℃ within reach - Countries have been asked to come forward with ambitious 2050 emissions reductions (more on that later).
  2. Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats - The climate is already changing and it will continue to change even as we reduce emissions, with devastating effects.
  3. Mobilise finance - Developed countries must make good on their promise to mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year.
  4. Work together to deliver - We can only rise to the challenges of the climate crisis by working together.

What was agreed?

A surprising amount of deals were made this COP, making it appear quite possibly fragile. Some were:

  • Moving away from fossil fuels - Countries ultimately agreed to a provision calling for a phase-down of coal power and a phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
  • Preserving forests - 137 countries took a gigantic step forward by comitting committing to halt and revers forest loss and land degradation by 2030. This pledge is backed by $12.7bn in public & $7.2bn in private funding. In addition, CEOs from over 30 financial institutions with about $8.7 trillion of global assets have committed to elimate investment in activities linked to deforestation.
  • Embracement of zero-emission vehicles - Over 30 countries, 6 major vehicle manufacturers set out their determination for all-new car & van sales to be zero-emission by 2040 globally.
  • Diminishing coal consumption - Leaders from South Africa, the US & UK, and the EU have announced a ground-breaking partnership to support South Africa with $8.5bn over the next 3-5 years just to help make a transition away from coal, to a low-carbon economy.
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