Alok Sharma hosts 51 countries for 'critical' climate discussion ahead of COP26

BRITAIN on Sunday (25) began a two-day meeting with climate and environment ministers from 51 countries for "critical" climate talks ahead of November's COP26 summit set to happen in Glasgow.

With fewer than 100 days to go until the critical UN climate change conference, UK minister Alok Sharma, President of COP26, is convening a two-day meeting in London to shape the vision of the final outcomes from COP26, and build a “unity of purpose to deliver them”.

Environment and climate ministers from the US, India and China are among those taking part in the closed-door meeting, which includes both virtual and in-person attendance.

It is the first face-to-face ministerial meeting of its kind in more than 18 months.

"We are facing perilous times for our planet and the only way we will safeguard its future is if countries are on the same path," said Sharma.

"The world will be watching to see whether we come together in Glasgow and do what is necessary to turn things around in this decisive decade," he added.

"It is essential that together we roll up our sleeves, find common ground and collectively draw out how we will build a greener, brighter future for our children and future generations."

COP26 is expected to cover the goal of keeping to the 1.5C temperature rise limit, exploring topics such as climate finance, efforts to adapt to climate change, and finalising the "rulebook" for implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Negotiators from 196 countries and the European Union, along with businesses, experts and world leaders are expected to attend the summit.

US climate envoy John Kerry said this week that the summit will mark a "pivotal moment for the world to come together to meet and master the climate challenge.

"Glasgow is the place, 2021 is the time and we can, in a little more than 100 days, save the next 100 years.

"Above all we need to provide action, and we need to do it now, because time is running out," he added.