Global climate deal reached at COP26 after last-minute change on cutting coal

A deal has finally been reached but many countries are disappointed

A deal on averting the worst impacts of climate change has finally be reached at COP26.

Delegates have agreed on a global plan to strengthen emissions-cutting targets for 2030 by the end of next year, and to accelerate efforts toward phasing down unabated coal and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.

Negotiations went into overtime after nations failed to reach an agreement by the original 6pm deadline on Friday.

Key sticking points included a historic clause to phase out coal and the financial aid to poorer nations.

On Saturday evening, the Indian delegate called for a change to the wording of the draft climate agreement.

The representative called for a requirement to ‘phase-down’ coal power and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, rather than phase them out.

Alok Sharma appeared to choke up on stage

All 197 parties of the United Nations have signed up, despite strong reservation and disappointment voiced by many.

COP26 president, UK minister Alok Sharma, became emotional as he apologised for the fraught negotiations.

 He said he is ‘deeply sorry’ for the way this process has unfolded.

‘I understand the deep disappointment. It’s also vital we protect this package,’ he said.

Major outcomes include:

• supercharging 2030 emissions-cutting targets as soon as next year, helping to ‘keep 1.5C alive,’ a key objective of the talks
• accelerating the phase-down of unabated coal and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies
• doubling funding for developing nations to adapt to climate change by 2025
• boosting up the agenda the conversation about how to pay for the loss and damage that climate change inflicts on developing countries
• finally agreeing rules on carbon offset markets, which the last two COPs have tried and failed to finalise

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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