The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) kicked off on October 31, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. The summit, which brings together 197 parties from across the world, aims to accelerate global action towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Leaders from countries around the world, including the United States, China, and India, attended the conference, with many announcing new and ambitious goals to combat climate change.
US President Joe Biden pledged to cut US greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, while Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans to sharply reduce coal consumption and phase out coal-fired power plants. The conference also saw calls for greater financial support to help developing countries transition to renewable energy and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The United Kingdom, which is hosting the event, Canadian News Today pledged £3 billion ($4 billion) in climate finance to the world’s poorest countries.