What is COP26 and why it matters
Why COP26 matters
Climate change has never been a more urgent global challenge. The world is currently not on track to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The targets announced in Paris would result in warming well above 3 degrees by 2100 compared to pre-industrial levels. As natural disasters become more common and warnings about climate change become more imperative, the COP26 discussions create an opportunity to reinforce the measures laid out by the Paris Agreement in a more compelling manner.
Goal 1. Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5°C within reach
Countries are summoned to set ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets that align with reaching net zero by 2050. Among the actions countries will need to take is to accelerate the phase-out of coal, curtail deforestation, speed up the switch to electric vehicles and encourage investments in renewables.
This Sweco Urban Insight report explores the current challenges to public transport, as well as solutions that will be viable in the near future.
Goal 2. Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
At COP26 the parties will work together to enable and encourage the protection and restoration of ecosystems. Building defences, warning systems and resilient infrastructure and agriculture will be essential to avoiding loss of homes, livelihoods and even lives.
This Sweco Urban Insights report explores how focusing on natural design and engineering, along with other key factors such as noise and air pollution, is key to transforming society for the better.
Goal 3. Mobilise finance
To deliver on the first two COP26 goals above, developed countries must mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year by 2020. International financial institutions must play their part and work towards unleashing the trillions in private and public sector finance required to secure global net zero.
In this Sweco Urban Insight report, experts explore ways in which we can minimise both carbon emissions and cost associated with infrastructure development.
Goal 4. Work together to deliver
A prerequisite to rising to the challenges of the climate crisis is for the parties to work together to finalise the detailed set of rules that make the Paris Agreement operational. Governments, businesses and civil society need to accelerate action to tackle climate crisis through collaboration.
This Sweco Urban Insight report is a call for citizen action and studies the factors that can effectuate real change in energy consumers’ contribution to the energy transition.
