COP26: The Glasgow Climate Conference

Last Updated December 6, 2021

The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (Conference of the Parties or COP26), held from October 31st to November 13th, was billed as "the world's last best chance" to prevent the worst consequences of the climate crisis.  Global temperatures have already surpassed 1°C above pre-industrial levels, and scientists have warned that crossing the 1.5°C threshold risks unleashing far more severe climate change effects on people, wildlife, and ecosystems. Keeping global warming below 1.5°C, however, is an ambitious goal.

Unfortunately, COP26 faced numerous challenges even before talks began. Power imbalances between rich and poor nations are always on display at the UN climate talks, but COP26 was especially controversial this year because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions, a lack of vaccine access, and the high costs of attendance meant that many delegates and indigenous leaders from developing countries were unable to participate in this year’s negotiations in Glasgow. Equally problematic, those from civil society organizations and indigenous peoples who were able to travel to Glasgow were often shut out of negotiating rooms and the venue entirely.