COP26 in Glasgow – States to initiate coal phase-out – News
- For the first time, the UN climate conference in Glasgow called on the countries of the world to start phasing out coal.
- The declaration approved by around 200 countries on Saturday also calls for “inefficient” subsidies for oil, gas and coal to be scrapped.
- However, the wording was watered down at the last minute under pressure from China and India.
EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans expressed his great disappointment at the slowdown. Switzerland was also disappointed with the turnaround at the end, but had given up its resistance. However, Timmermanns acknowledged the demand for the exit from coal as “historic”.
When several states bitterly complained about last-minute watering down just before the final vote on Saturday evening, British COP26 President Alok Sharma fought back tears. “I apologize for the way it went. And I’m very sorry,” said the host.
He added: “It is also vital that we protect this package.” Then his voice broke and he lowered his eyes. The delegates helped him through the emotional moment with long applause.
Based on voluntariness
The countries also jointly committed to the goal of stopping global warming at 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. To this end, they should sharpen their previously inadequate climate protection plans by the end of 2022. But this remains voluntary, there is no obligation.
So far, the plans submitted are far from sufficient to achieve the 1.5 degree target agreed in Paris in 2015. The declaration states that the emission of climate-damaging greenhouse gases must be reduced by 45 percent worldwide in this decade.
Financial aid for poorer countries
More financial aid is also promised for poor countries so that they can adapt to the consequences of the climate crisis, which are fatal in many places. Tens of millions of people are already facing more frequent and prolonged droughts and heat waves, or are struggling with more severe storms and floods.
Specifically, these financial aids are to be doubled by 2025, i.e. from currently around 20 to around 40 billion dollars (around 35 billion euros). For the first time, the long-standing demand of poor countries to set up a pot of money to help in the event of damage and losses is being addressed.
This means, for example, destruction or forced resettlements after droughts, storm surges or hurricanes. The rich countries are asked to pay in money for this. Concrete sums for this are not mentioned. Only “technical support” should be available after damage events, but not the complete damage should be settled.
