Glasgow – The euphoria of climate expectations on first day

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The UN News team got up early and headed to the COP26 venue so we could bring you all the action on the first day of the World Leaders Summit, and we are glad we did, because the lines to enter the conference centre got longer and longer throughout the morning.

According to UN Climate Change, this is the biggest and largest COP ever, with about 50,000 participants registered to be here in person or to join the events online. You can find out more about that in our daily podcast, which is featured in this newsletter.

Around 120 Heads of State and Government are addressing the conference, with thousands of participants and journalists gathering outside the main plenary to catch a glimpse of the action.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his call to action and sent a stark message to the international community and set out five key action points that we have summarized for you.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson a COP26 co-host (with Italy), announced a funding package, as part of the UK’s Clean Green Initiative, to support the rollout of sustainable infrastructure and revolutionary green technology in developing countries. 

President Joe Biden also promised that over the next few days, the US will be announcing new commitments to reduce emissions through measures in the forestry and agriculture, and oil and gas sectors.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a new commitment as well: his country plans to cut its emissions to Net Zero by 2070.

But all of today’s speeches had one thing in common: the mention of the force and power of the young people in the combat against climate change – dubbed a “Climate Army” by UN chief Guterres. 

That “army” was clearly present and accounted for today: Young people were gathered in the halls and pavilions, some wearing their traditional indigenous garb. They were also represented in the plenary room, where, sitting alongside Presidents and Prime Ministers, they made their voices heard.

The mood today throughout the Scottish Event Campus, the venue for COP26, is positive and hopeful, so far. 

Tomorrow, young leaders, among them Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, are expected to present world leaders with a letter calling on them to transform their words into action. 

So the action will continue here in Glasgow, and we’ll bring you the best of it – UN News