COP26 will show whether ‘World Leaders’ can fully rise to their promises made in the Paris Agreement and meet these with concrete actions, thereby living up to their responsibility in today's world. 

Even though climate change and its consequences have come ever closer to our doorsteps this year, global efforts have so far failed to combat climate change. This was manifested by the G20 summit, where a fragmented and increasing lack of commitment for climate policies began to show from several industrialized nations. 

Therefore, there is greater pressure than ever resting on COP26. Climate change is one of the most crucial topics of our generation. If not tackled now economies and societies will suffer ever mounting problems in the future. Despite this, World Leaders have been trying to reduce the official tone on the necessity of combating climate change, as well as that developing countries should not receive the agreed subsidies in the months before COP26. Those actions stand in contrast to the statements made during the first two days of COP26. Hence, now is the chance for the World Leaders to practice what they preach. 

The big players in CO2 emissions must start negotiating the concept of a joined “climate club” with a common CO2 price, reduced trade barriers for key goods of the energy transition, harmonized climate protection measures, and an international transparent and effective emissions trading. At the same time, the potential of developing countries must continue to be recognized. Subsidies must not be slowed down and an on-the-ground approach to these countries must be secured. 

In closing, the parties should increase pressure on the private sector to integrate climate protection in their future economic policies and initiate the implementation of a more globalized political and legal framework thereof.

Author - Coralie von Sandrart