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As COP26 draws to a close, global leaders have spoken about their plans to tackle climate change. SEI’s Chris Malley was interviewed by BBC Radio York to discuss his thoughts on COP26 and the results that will come of it.
Glasgow, location of COP26. Photo: Craig McKay / Unsplash.
As negotiations at COP26 enter their final day and the conference comes to a close, there has been much discussion on how effective the plans that global leaders have put forward are. SEI Senior Research Fellow Chris Malley joined BBC Radio York to share his thoughts on the final day:
I think there has been progress that has been made, but it is not enough and it is not quick enough.
Chris goes on to explain how we need to halve emissions by 2030 if we are to keep global temperatures below 1.5°C. The preliminary analysis on the latest announcements at COP26 suggest that instead of cutting emissions by 50% by 2030, we will only reduce emissions by 12%.
Speaking about the outcome of COP26, Chris gave his take on what needs to be done moving forward:
What we need to do after COP26 is over is to focus on implementing what is negotiated and agreed at COP26. The UN body for climate science tells us that any reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be beneficial. It will reduce the devastating impacts from heating, droughts and wildfire, if we can reduce emissions.
Speaking on the impact COP26 has had, Chris speaks about the significant announcements that will affect climate change. This includes the Methane Pledge, where 108 countries have pledged to reduce methane levels by 30% by 2030.
You can listen to the full interview with Chris here (starts at 2:08:16; available until 11 December 2021).
SEI has supported 15 countries to enhance their climate change mitigation plans in their nationally eetermined contributions (NDCs) submitted ahead of the Glasgow COP26 meeting, including through the inclusion of additional actions in the biggest methane emitting sectors: oil and gas, agriculture and waste.
Media coverage / Chris Malley speaks to BBC Radio York from COP26 on the challenges and opportunities that the climate talks bring.
Feature / Find explainers, background and contacts for SEI's involvement in COP26, held from 31 October–12 November 2021 in Glasgow, UK.
Feature / Find out how reducing methane emissions can reduce the rate of global warming and achieve significant health and development benefits.
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