COP26
Interim UN climate talks move online to address negotiation backlog
Climate diplomats agreed to hold an informal and extended virtual meeting in June, despite connectivity concerns, to make progress on sticky issues
South Africa sets out to tighten 2030 emissions target
South Africa’s economy is shifting from heavy industry to service sectors, allowing for deeper carbon cuts, but coal lingers in the energy mix
UK pledges to make scaling up adaptation finance a priority at G7 summit
At a ministerial meeting of donor and developing countries, the UK said it would aim to secure additional financial support for vulnerable nations by June
India calls out rich nations for setting net zero goals over robust short-term targets
Minister Raj Kumar Singh insisted developing nations should not be asked to set net zero goals as they seek to grow their economies
Under fire over aid cuts, UK hosts summit to help vulnerable nations fund climate action
Research to enhance climate action in developing countries is being threatened with aid cuts at a time when the UK is seeking ‘practical steps’ to boost climate investment
Rare IMF relief offers a hope of green recovery to debt-laden nations
As the IMF prepares a $650 billion injection of funds into the global economy, there are calls to target support to climate vulnerable nations
Unequal vaccine rollout threatens inclusivity of Cop26, climate diplomats warn
Negotiators are worried that requiring a vaccine passport to attend November’s critical UN climate summit will exclude developing countries with limited supplies
Five ways the UK is failing to walk the talk on a green recovery ahead of Cop26
While vocal on raising climate ambition on the global stage, recent domestic policy announcements undermine the UK host’s leadership credentials
Further delay feared as ‘like-minded’ countries resist online climate negotiations
Major developing countries oppose calls to hold preparatory climate negotiations online in June, citing connectivity and time zone concerns
The stakes for Cop26 couldn’t be higher – Climate Weekly
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China, US urged to step up as UN warns world ‘very far’ from meeting climate goals
Collectively, updated national targets will only reduce emissions 0.5% by 2030 from 2010, UN analysis finds — far from the 45% scientists say is needed to hold warming to 1.5C
As US formally rejoins the Paris Agreement, eyes turn to 2030 emissions goal
Now the US is back in the Paris Agreement, it is expected to set a 2030 emissions target, with campaigners calling for at least 50% cuts
Under diplomatic pressure, India considers net zero – but major hurdles remain
Net zero pledges from other major polluters have put spotlight on Delhi’s climate ambitions, but full decarbonisation is a big ask
Plans for UK coal mine suspended after criticism of net zero commitment
The UK Committee on Climate Change says the use of coking coal should be curbed by 2035, but the application says the mine will not be closed until the end of 2049
António Guterres calls for preparatory UN climate negotiations to be held online
In a surprising intervention, the UN chief called for climate talks to be held online, with regional “hubs” for negotiators to access reliable internet
Climate veteran Xie Zhenhua returns as China’s special envoy
Xie Zhenhua’s return to climate diplomacy is seen as a ‘bright spot’ for US-China cooperation, given his strong relationship with US special climate envoy John Kerry
Cop26 dream team: The people setting the climate agenda on seven key issues
From Denmark’s Dan Jørgensen to Malawi’s Nancy Tembo, here are the leaders to watch ahead of UN climate talks in Glasgow, UK
Covid-19 normalised social protection. Now apply it to the climate crisis
Almost every country rolled out measures such as cash transfers, food and sick pay to cope with coronavirus. Victims of climate shocks need the same support
France and UK lead push for climate finance to restore nature
Campaigners welcomed commitments to ramp up funding for biodiversity but raised concerns it came at the expense of other climate and aid spending
UK promotes leading Cop26 climate talks to full-time role for Alok Sharma
Alok Sharma will give up his responsibilities as UK business minister to focus on preparations for critical UN climate talks in Glasgow this November