The most recently released IPCC report, which was famously described by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guturres as a “code red for humanity”, has established an irrefutable link between human activities and the starkly devastating effects of climate change. The activity that is at the top of the Presidency Programme at COP 26 today is the continued reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy.
This will be the main talking point for COP delegates, who will discuss how to implement measures that will accelerate the global transition to clean energy. Many island territories are already leading this transition through proactive steps and decisive conversations, as it is clear that the efficient use of renewable energy is an integral part of creating a more sustainable future.
The economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have illustrated that it is now more important than ever to use sources of energy that are affordable, renewable, and help to protect the planet.
Key themes for COP26
MITIGATION
Secure global net zero and keep 1.5 degrees within reach.
ADAPTATION
Urgently adapt to protect communities and natural habitats.
MOBILISE FINANCE
Green transformation of financial systems.
COLLABORATION
Work together to deliver.
RENEWABLE ENERGY OFFERS SIDS VAST OPPORTUNITIES:
Sustainable energy presents vast socioeconomic opportunities for islands including energy security, climate resilience, economic development and energy access. Renewables translate directly into better quality of life and services, positive environmental impacts and higher productivity.
SIDS NEED MORE SUPPORT TO ACHIEVE CLIMATE PLEDGES:
According to an IRENA analysis on the first round of NDCs, USD16 billion is still needed to align SIDS energy systems with emission reductions targets by 2030.
News and key insights
- Indigenous islanders whose homes are sinking underwater march on COP26
- Pacific islanders aren’t just victims – we know how to fight the climate crisis
- Pacific states to benefit from new IRIS initiative
- We need a ‘COP of action’ Tuvalu PM tells the world
- Greenland will join the Paris climate deal
- World leaders announce plan to make green tech cheaper than alternatives
- 19 countries plan COP26 deal to end financing of fossil fuels abroad
- My day at COP26: ‘My island home is threatened – we have no hill to run to’
- 7 takeaways from COP26 Day 2: Biden slams Xi and Putin, a methane agreement and a deal on steel
TODAY: IN CONVERSATION
TODAY: 15:00 GMT
A live interview “IN CONVERSATION” session, streaming in all our social media channels. This session is possible thanks to our partner, the Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator.
We invite you to join the livestream to learn more about the Resilience Scorecard!
The panelists for this session will be: The Hon. Walter Roban, Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs of the Government of Bermuda, Rick Warner, Chair of Coastal8, and Kimberly Lewis, AEG Fellow, Program Manager, Energy Efficiency at Con Edison. This regionally transformative conversation will be moderated by Audrey Joachim, Director of Operations and Growth of Island Innovation.
The main topic for this discussion will be the finalisation and introduction of a Resilience Scorecard. The Scorecard is also on the island agenda at COP26 in Glasgow, as a resilience tool which can be utilised by countries around the world.
In the livestream event which is exclusively devoted to advancing the full implementation of the Scorecard, proceedings will feature a Ministerial discussion in which leaders from across the region will provide insights into, and guidance on, next steps forward for the Resilience Scorecard.
Update: If you missed the session, the recording is available here
Today’s Island-related events
Translating Ambition into Action – support Required by SIDS
Time: 9am – 10:30am GMT
SIDS are recognised by the UN as being highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change and experiencing significant restraints on their development (eg., challenges in accessing aid and being remote from trade and markets).
Corals and climate; global, national and local approaches (tackling the problems through local, national and global actions)
Today
Time: 3pm – 4:30pm GMT
Location: Commonwealth Pavilion
Unlocking green energy: hydrogen and green ammonia projects in the Kharas region
Today
Time: 5pm – 6pm GMT
Location: Commonwealth Pavilion
