COP26, or the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, was held in Glasgow, Scotland from Oct to Nov 2021. The conference was hosted by the United Kingdom in partnership with Italy.
The main goals of COP26 were to:
- Secure global net zero by mid-century
- Keep warming within 1.5°C degrees
- Accelerate the phase-out of coal
- Mobilize at least $100 billion in climate finance per year
Some outcomes of COP26 include:
- The signing of the Glasgow Climate Pact
- The completion of the Paris Agreement's Rulebook
- The creation of a high-level expert group to establish standards for measuring and assessing net-zero goals
- Commitments to establish green marine shipping corridors
- Commitments to enhance international collaboration to reduce aviation emissions
- Commitments to accelerate the growth of zero-emission vehicles
The conference was delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was attended by citizen activists in unprecedented numbers, including small children waving handmade picket signs.
Indigenous Renewable Energy Microgrids for Energy Transition
Ambika Opal, Manager of Global Programs and Initiatives at WISE participated in a side event at COP26 run by Indigenous Clean Energy, titled "Indigenous Renewable Energy Microgrids for Energy Transition 'Just Climate Energy' "
Hosted by the Canadian non-profit, Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE), panelists shared how renewable micro-grids developed and operated by and for Indigenous nations reflect traditional worldviews, foster sustainable economic development and Indigenous sovereignty all while addressing the climate crisis.