The main goals to tackle climate change and what progress has been made

In 2021, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) was held in Glasgow. The summit saw almost 200 countries coming together to commit to taking action on climate change, with four key goals at its heart.

Goal 1: Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach

Science has repeatedly told us that letting temperatures rise beyond 1.5°C will have devastating impacts.

Aim:Get every country to deliver on their net zero commitments and 2030 emission reduction targets – particularly through policies to end coal power, halt deforestation, and transition to clean vehicles.

Progress:Over 90% of world GDP is now covered by net zero commitments and 153 countries put forward new 2030 emissions targets at COP26.

Goal 2: Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats

People across the world are already living with devastating extreme weather heightened by the changing climate.

Aim: Enable and encourage countries affected by climate change to protect and restore ecosystems, and build defences, warning systems, and resilient infrastructure and agriculture to avoid loss of homes, livelihoods, and even lives.

Progress: 80 countries are now covered by either Adaptation Communications or National Adaptation Plans to increase preparedness to climate risks. Record amounts of adaptation finance have also been pledged, and nations have announced new partnerships to improve access to finance, including for Indigenous Peoples.

Goal 3: Mobilise finance

Countries need funding in order to manage the increasing impacts of climate change on their citizens’ lives.

Aim: Ensure that developed countries make good on their promise to mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year by 2020, including: public finance to develop the infrastructure needed to transition to a greener economy; private finance to fund technology and innovation.

Progress: Progress has been made towards the $100bn goal, which will be reached by 2023 at the latest. Private financial institutions and central banks are moving to realign trillions towards global net zero.In Glasgow, countries agreed the way forward for the new post-2025 climate finance goal.

Goal 4: Work together to deliver

Global collaboration is essential for enabling us to rise to the challenges of the climate crisis.

Aim: Finalise the Paris Rulebook (the rules that make the Paris Agreement operational) and accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society.

Progress: The Paris Rulebook was finalised, with common timeframes agreed on for emissions reductions targets. Collaborative councils and dialogues in energy, electric vehicles, shipping, and commodities will help deliver on commitments going forward.

As well as driving progress on these four goals, the Glasgow Climate Pact was forged at COP26, outlining how countries worldwide must continue to take decisive, collaborative action to truly tackle climate change.

To learn more read the PDF CO26 EXPLAINED