COP 26 Outcomes

The UNFCCC COP 26 Climate Conference was held in Glasgow, UK, in November 2021. Many world leaders including President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the Conference.

According to UNFCCC, the main outcomes of the Conference were:

Mitigation: 

• Over 90% of world GDP is now covered by net zero commitments.
• 153 countries put forward new 2030 emissions targets (NDCs). 
• Countries agreed to come back next year with new strengthened commitments and a new UN climate programme on mitigation ambition
• Countries finalised the Paris Rulebook, agreeing the ‘enhanced transparency framework’ (common reporting of emissions and support), a new mechanism and standards for international carbon markets, and common timeframes for emissions reductions targets.
• There were commitments to move away from coal power, halt and reverse deforestation, reduce methane emissions and speed up the switch to electric vehicles.

Adaptation & Loss and Damage: 

• 80 countries are now covered by either Adaptation Communications or National Adaptation Plans to increase preparedness to climate risks.
• The Glasgow - Sharm el-Sheikh Work Programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation was agreed. 
• Record amounts of adaptation finance have been pledged, including committing to doubling 2019 levels of adaptation finance by 2025. This is the first time an adaptation specific financing goal has ever been agreed globally. 
• Nations have announced new partnerships to improve access to finance, including for Indigenous Peoples. 
• A new Glasgow Dialogue on Loss and Damage funding arrangements was created. 
• The Santiago Network on Loss and Damage was brought to life through clear functions and funding.

Finance: 

• Developed countries have made progress towards delivering the $100
• billion climate finance goal and will reach it by 2023 at the latest. 
• 34 countries and five public finance institutions will stop international
• support for the unabated fossil fuel energy sector next year. 
• Private financial institutions and central banks are moving to realign trillions towards global net zero. 
• Developed countries committed significantly increased funding to vital funds such as the Least Developed Countries Fund.

Collaboration: 

• The Glasgow outcomes will accelerate collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to deliver on climate goals faster, whilst collaborative councils and dialogues in energy, electric vehicles, shipping and commodities will help deliver on commitments.