The United Nations climate summit in Glasgow officially opens on Sunday, a day before world leaders gather in Scotland’s largest city to set out their vision for tackling the common challenge of climate change.
The meeting will see negotiators from nearly 200 countries attempt to tackle the issues outstanding since the conclusion of the Paris climate agreement in 2015, and find ways to step up their efforts to prevent global temperatures from falling. increase by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius during this century compared to pre-industrial times.
Scientists say the chances of reaching that goal, agreed upon in the French capital six years ago, are slowly dwindling. The world has already warmed by more than 1.1 ° C and current projections predict that the temperature will rise by 2.7 ° C by 2100.
The amount of energy released by such global warming would melt much of the planet’s ice, raise global sea levels and significantly increase the likelihood and intensity of extreme weather conditions, experts warn.
Many of the issues discussed during the summit that runs through November 12 have been on the agenda for decades, with policymakers debating how rich countries can help poor countries tackle emissions. and adapt to a warmer world. The slowness of the action angered many environmental activists, who are expected to stage loud and creative protests during the summit.
The opening day of the talks is expected to focus on procedural issues. A big concern is that not all delegates will be able to meet in person, as the capacities of venues and rooms have been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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