Climate Conference Ends with “Glasgow Pact”

The Glasgow climate summit ended with the nations of the world renewing their commitment to the Paris Accord to keep global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The final agreement was a compromise and a disappointment to organizers who hoped to have firmer commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the next decade and reach net-zero status by 2050. The compromise agreement, for example, included language agreeing to phase down the use of coal, rather than phasing it out, and stated the parties would seek to achieve net-zero emissions “by or around mid-century” rather than “by mid-century.” Despite the weakened language, the final “pact” included commitments to publish new emission reduction goals in 2022 rather than 2025, halt illegal deforestation, cut methane gas emissions, and establish previously controversial rules for a carbon trading market. Look for more information on this topic from the MCC in the coming weeks in your diocesan paper or magazine.