"What Is COP26 and Why Is It Important?"

"All your questions about COP26, the world's most important and confusing climate diplomatic process, answered."

"Perhaps you’ve heard rumblings of the Paris Agreement or countries getting together to talk about climate change sometime soon under the banner of the United Nations. Amidst the maelstrom of daily life, it’s honestly hard to remember. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Even people who have spent a lot of time thinking about and acting on climate change often have no idea about the United Nations climate process—which, unfortunately, happens to be both one of the most important and most confusing things happening on the planet. World leaders and hordes of negotiators are gearing up for what’s known as COP26, which is less than a month away. It’s likely the world’s best shot to finally start winding down greenhouse gas emissions tied to burning fossil fuels. Here’s your primer to understand what the heck this COP26 thing is, what on the Earth the UNFCCC is, and why you should care about what happens. Welcome to COP101!"

Molly Taft reports for Earther October 7, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"What You Need To Know About The U.N. Climate Summit This Fall — And Why It Matters" (Washington Post)

"Cop26 Activists Fear Influx Of English Officers Endangers ‘Friendly’ Policing" (Guardian)

"COP26: What’s The Point Of This Year’s UN Climate Summit in Glasgow?" (The Conversation)