Dr Caroline Kuzemko from Warwick's Department of Politics and International Studies, comments on US climate envoy, John Kerry, stating COP26 is the 'last best hope for the world to get its act together'.

She said: "Climate ambitions need to be substantially increased from current nationally determined commitments (NDCs) as the world is quite far off meeting the 1.5 degree Paris aim.

"One major complication is that UN global climate agreements have recognised historical responsibilities of developed countries for emissions, and the rights of developing countries, including China, to continue to develop. Hence countries are split between Annex and Non-Annex countries with different types of climate commitments. Generally speaking Annex countries commit to decrease emissions, non-Annex countries to curb them.

"China, however, is now amongst the world's largest emitters. They have set a 2060 net zero target, with a 2030 aim for peak emissions - but fears are that this will not be enough given the overall size of their emissions. This is why we will see continued pressures being placed on them to up their ambitions in the run up to COP26.

"Lastly, COP26 is a useful exercise in getting countries to commit to targets - but less useful at making sure that they have sufficient policies in place to meet them."

 

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