Glasgow Climate Pact

Definition

The Glasgow Climate Pact is an international agreement reached during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021 that aims to accelerate action toward the goals of the Paris Agreement. It emphasizes the need for countries to take more ambitious steps to combat climate change, particularly by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting vulnerable nations in adapting to climate impacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Glasgow Climate Pact urges nations to submit more ambitious climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), by the end of 2022.
2. It highlights the importance of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, reinforcing commitments made in the Paris Agreement.
3. The pact calls for increased financial support for developing countries, aiming for $100 billion annually to help with climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
4. It emphasizes the role of phasing down unabated coal power and reducing fossil fuel subsidies to transition toward cleaner energy sources.
5. The agreement also includes a mechanism for countries to report on their progress, increasing accountability and transparency in climate action.

Review Questions

• How does the Glasgow Climate Pact build upon the commitments made in the Paris Agreement?
  • The Glasgow Climate Pact builds upon the Paris Agreement by reinforcing its goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and urging countries to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with more ambitious climate action plans. This pact emphasizes accountability by requiring nations to report on their progress, ensuring that the commitments made under the Paris Agreement are not only maintained but escalated to meet urgent climate challenges.
• Discuss the significance of climate finance as outlined in the Glasgow Climate Pact and its implications for developing countries.
  • Climate finance is a critical component of the Glasgow Climate Pact, as it pledges to mobilize $100 billion annually to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This financial assistance is vital for vulnerable nations that lack the resources to implement effective climate strategies. By addressing financial barriers, the pact aims to ensure that all countries can contribute equitably toward achieving global climate goals.
• Evaluate the potential impacts of phasing down unabated coal power as proposed in the Glasgow Climate Pact on global energy systems and emissions reduction.
  • Phasing down unabated coal power, as proposed in the Glasgow Climate Pact, could significantly transform global energy systems by pushing countries toward renewable energy sources and cleaner technologies. This transition is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as coal is one of the dirtiest fossil fuels. While this shift may face resistance due to economic concerns and energy dependency on coal, successfully implementing these measures could lead to substantial long-term benefits, including improved air quality, enhanced public health, and a stronger commitment to meeting climate targets globally.

Related terms

Paris Agreement: An international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Net Zero: The state in which a country's greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere, typically achieved by reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sinks.

Climate Finance: Financial resources provided to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries, crucial for achieving global climate goals.