COP27: What is the Egypt climate conference and why is it important?
One year ago today, Glasgow welcomed hundreds of world leaders and thousands more delegates for COP26 and as they prepare to travel to Sharm El Sheik in Egypt later this week for COP27, MFR News is look at what world leaders are set to discuss.
One year ago today, Glasgow welcomed hundreds of world leaders and thousands more delegates for COP26 and as they prepare to travel to Sharm El Sheik in Egypt later this week for COP27, MFR News is look at what world leaders are set to discuss.
It follows a year of climate-related disasters and broken temperature records.
What is the UN climate summit?
UN climate summits are held every year, for governments to agree steps to limit global temperature rises.
They are referred to as COPs, which stands for "Conference of the Parties". The parties are the attending countries that signed up to the original UN climate agreement in 1992.
COP27 is the 27th annual UN meeting on climate. It will take place in Sharm el-Sheikh from 6 to 18 November.
Why are COP meetings needed?
The world is warming because of emissions produced by humans, mostly from burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal.
Global temperatures have risen 1.1C and are heading towards 1.5C, according to the UN's climate scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
If temperatures rise 1.7 to 1.8C above 1850s levels, the IPCC estimates that half the word's population could be exposed to life-threatening heat and humidity.
To prevent this, 194 countries signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, pledging to "pursue efforts" to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C.
Who will be at COP27?
More than 200 governments are invited.
However, some leaders of major economies including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are not expected to attend. Delegates from these countries are still expected.
Other countries, including China, have not confirmed whether their leaders will take part.
Hosts Egypt have called on countries to put their differences aside and "show leadership".
Environmental charities, community groups, think tanks, businesses and faith groups will also take part.
King Charles is also not expected to attend, after being advised not to by former PM Liz Truss.
Angela Merkel arrives at Cop26
Other prominent climate activists and leaders were taking part in negotiations. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met young climate campaigners Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate and called on leaders to "put their egos aside" to work on the common issue of solving the climate crisis.
Boris Johnson waits to greet leaders at Cop26
Boris Johnson at the Cop26 Action and Solidarity session
Prince Charles and Joe Biden at Cop26
French president Emmanuel Macron at Cop26
Nicola Sturgeon at the Cop26 World Leaders Summit
Boris Johnson at Cop26
Why is COP27 in Egypt?
This will be the fifth time a COP has been hosted in Africa.
The region's governments hope it will draw attention to the severe impacts of climate change on the continent. The IPCC says Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world.
Currently, 17 million people are estimated to be facing food insecurity in east Africa because of drought.
However, choosing Egypt as the venue has attracted controversy.
Some human rights and climate campaigners say the government has stopped them attending because they have criticised its rights record.
What will be discussed at COP27?
Ahead of the meeting, countries were asked to submit ambitious national climate plans. Only 25 have - so far.
COP27 will focus on three main areas:
- Reducing emissions
- Helping countries to prepare and deal with climate change
- Securing technical support and funding for developing countries for these activities
Some areas not fully resolved or covered at COP26 will be picked up:
- Loss and damage finance - money to help countries recover from the effects of climate change, rather than just prepare for it
- Establishment of a global carbon market - to price the effects of emissions into products and services globally
- Strengthen the commitments to reduce coal use
There will also be themed days for focused talks and announcements on issues including gender, agriculture and biodiversity.
Do we expect any sticking points?
Finance has been long been an issue at climate talks.
In 2009, developed countries committed to give $100 billion a year, by 2020, to developing countries to help them reduce emissions and prepare for climate change.
The target was missed and moved back to 2023.
Climate Change protests
Greta Thunberg at a rally in Glasgow
Young speaker at Greta Thunberg rally
Protest in George Square at Cop26
Extinction Rebellion march reaches the Squinty Bridge near Cop26 venue in Finnieston
Protesters at the Greenwash march organised by Extinction Rebellion
Giant pokemon characters coal protest at Cop26
Tree man on stilts at Cop26 Extinction Rebellion protest in Glasgow
Cop26 protest on the steps of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
An activist taking part in a protest outside the Cop26 venue on the last day of climate talks