The last moments of COP26. Joint declaration of China and the United States, Poland’s ambitious goal

On November 10 this year, the day designated for transport during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), China and the United States issued a joint declaration – committed to “reinforced action” to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement in the “decisive decade of the 1920s”. It was emphasized that both countries – despite their differences in interests – had a common goal of protecting the climate. Announcement of cooperation in reducing methane emissions and reducing deforestation was announced – this information is important because in the first week of COP26 China did not sign a document committing to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Compared to the level of 2020

On the same day, a declaration was signed to end the sale of combustion vehicles, among others 24 developed countries, seven developing countries, six car manufacturers (General Motors, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, BYD Auto) and 39 cities. The document in question is not binding; However, it is meant to be an attempt to accelerate the global transition to zero greenhouse gases by 2040 (in leading markets by 2035). Although the signatories to the document include, among others, Poland, the countries that produce the largest number of cars and which are the largest markets for their sale (USA, China, France, Germany, Japan) refused to sign the declaration. Nor did she get the support of the largest car manufacturers in the world – Toyota and Volkswagen.

Urban Climate Action Program and a vision for the next five years

November 11 this year. Dedicated to the development of cities and regions in the spirit of respect for the environment Cities, Regions and the Built Environment Day), the United Kingdom has pledged £27.5 million to the Metropolitan Climate Action Programme. Urban Climate Action Program – UCAP), which will make it possible to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in the cities of Africa, Asia and Latin America. With the funds, individual districts will be able to establish, inter alia, low-emissions public transport, as well as a sustainable waste management system and energy production from renewable sources.

The “Race for a Better World” was the main event today – a five-year action plan for non-state actors to move from word of mouth to real climate protection measures. Improving the Marrakech Partnership to boost ambition) was provided as an example. By UN Secretary-General António Guterres and COP26 President Alok Sharma. Among other things Expansion of the global Race to Zero campaigns⁽¹⁾The race to flexibility⁽²⁾ i Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero⁽³⁾, focusing on short-term plans to meet commitments, as well as mobilizing funds for the development of developing economies. The roadmap stresses the need for more regionalization that takes into account the voices of the world’s poorest and most marginalized regions in discussions.

The key moment will be the negotiation of the content of the agreement document, since there are still many unknowns. Final negotiations will begin today (November 12), which may run into Sunday. According to official information, the next COP27 climate summit will be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in 2022. It has also been announced that COP 28 in 2023 will be held in the United Arab Emirates.

Magdalena Więckowska
journalist