The Weak Pulse of 1.5°C: Assessing the Outcome of COP26 

"From 31 October to 12 November 2021, the UK hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. The summit was a chance to evaluate the extent to which countries are taking the actions needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.  

This paper explores the main outcomes of COP26 and is divided into three sections. The first assesses the progress made to increase emissions reductions. It examines new net zero commitments, the updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs), the global methane pledge, and evaluates the impact that these pledges could have on limiting warming to 1.5oC. It also addresses the US-China climate agreement and reflects on the references to further emissions reductions contained within the Glasgow Climate Pact.  

Section II examines the state of international climate finance following COP26. It highlights the changes necessary to bridge the climate finance gap and addresses present shortcomings with respect to transparency and delivery streams. This section also assesses new measures proposed for adaptation finance and the absence of a facility for loss and damage.   

The final section of the paper analyses Article 6 of the Paris Rulebook, which was resolved at COP26. This section of the rulebook establishes a robust framework for countries to exchange carbon credits through the UNFCCC and may lead to significant economic and environmental outcomes."