124 world leaders have promised to end and reverse deforestation by 2030. Their pledges represent over 85% of the planet's forests. Among nations making the pledge are Canada, Russia, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Australia Ireland, United States of America and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Read the declaration here
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was direct in his opening message to the gathering of world leaders:
"The six years since the Paris Climate Agreement have been the six hottest years on record. Our addiction to fossil fuels is pushing humanity to the brink. We face a stark choice: Either we stop it — or it stops us. It’s time to say: enough. Enough of brutalizing biodiversity. Enough of killing ourselves with carbon. Enough of treating nature like a toilet. Enough of burning and drilling and mining our way deeper. We are digging our own graves..." Watch his complete Address with its five key messages (9:25) or read the text here
COP26 President Alok Sharma formally opened the conference on Sunday, 31 October, a day before leaders from around the world gather.
He told told the formal opening session of the climate summit in Glasgow that it is the "last, best chance" to keep temperature rises limited to 1.5C. Watch the video clip (2:19) |
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