COP26 world's 'moment of truth' on climate change according to PM
Boris Johnson says the climate summit can mark the beginning of the end of climate change
Cop26 will be the "world's moment of truth", Boris Johnson said as he urged leaders to use the Glasgow summit to bring about an end to climate change.
With the United Nations summit due to get under way on Sunday, the Prime Minister pressed fellow world leaders to seize the moment and deliver on the target of preventing global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5C degrees above pre-industrial levels.
Downing Street said Cop26 will be one of the biggest events the UK has ever hosted, with 25,000 delegates expected from 196 countries and the European Union.
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Ministers, climate negotiators, civil society and business leaders are set to take part in talks and debates over the course of the two-week conference.
The beginning of the end of climate change?
Mr Johnson, who is due to fly from the G20 in Rome to Glasgow on Sunday evening, said: "Cop26 will be the world's moment of truth.
"The question everyone is asking is whether we seize this moment or let it slip away.
"I hope world leaders will hear them and come to Glasgow ready to answer them with decisive action.
"Together, we can mark the beginning of the end of climate change”
The Cop26 summit is aiming to urge countries to advance their net-zero commitments to the middle of the century and reduce emissions rapidly over the next decade through commitments on phasing out coal, switching to electric cars and planting trees.
Saving the planet comes at a cost
Developed nations are also being urged to stump up the finance - 100 billion US dollars (£73 billion) per annum - needed by poorer nations to deal with climate change.
Number 10 said there is also a need to finalise the Paris Agreement at the event.
The summit timetable will see the Prime Minister host an opening ceremony attended by dignitaries including the Prince of Wales, before giving a speech on Monday.
Charles and Sir David Attenborough, the Cop26 People's Advocate, will be among those to also address world leaders as British environmental advocates.
The theme of the opening ceremony, due to take place at midday, is "Earth to Cop", which Downing Street said would deliver a message from the people for leaders to heed warnings and advance progress to tackle climate change.
On Monday evening, the Prime Minister will host a reception to welcome world leaders to Glasgow, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall.
The Queen will address the delegates in a pre-recorded video after she was told by doctors to avoid the summit and rest following a hospital visit last week.
Queen to address conference virtually
At the reception, guests will be offered refreshments of traditional Scottish canapes, Ridgeview vintage English sparkling wine and Cop26 blended whisky supplied by the Scotch Whisky Association.
Guests will enjoy music from a string quartet and brass quintet from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
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