麻豆约拍

The deal agreed in Glasgow includes significant commitments to limit climate change 鈥� but for some there are also disappointing omissions. The pact includes agreement to 鈥減hase down鈥� coal 鈥� the first time this is explicitly mentioned in a climate deal. However, a previous draft had included the tougher language "phasing out" coal before a late intervention from India and China.

The pact asks countries to republish their climate action plans by the end of next year with more ambitious emissions reduction targets for 2030. It also emphasises the need for developed countries to increase the money they give to those already suffering the effects of climate change, beyond the current $100bn annual target. But a previously agreed goal to double funds for adaptation to climate change now just refers to an increase.

Achim Steiner, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, gives his reaction. He says the pact retains the "theoretical possibility" of keeping temperature rises within 1.5 degrees, but that we are only "at the boundaries of where we should be if we want to tackle climate change effectively". He explains that whilst it is still an achievement to include a "phase down" rather than "phase out" of coal in the deal, the fact the wording was changed shows the challenge this represents. He goes on to say that lacking commitment on funding increases from developed to developing nations so they can better tackle climate change shows the global community "shirking our responsibility".

Photo: The Action Hub at COP26 in Glasgow, UK Credit: Getty Images

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