All eyes are on the upcoming COP26 climate summit, over the last few months all of us have seen that no country is immune to the devastating impact of rising temperature and freak weather events, will this summit achieve anything?

UN: Likely to miss emissions target | COP26 Climate Summit

The city of Glasgow is gearing up to welcome leaders from across the world, journalists and activists as well for the UN climate summit which is scheduled to start from October 31.

COP26 Glasgow: World leaders, activists to attend crucial summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the COP26 climate summit, the Kremlin has announced that Putin will not be able to fly to Glasgow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend COP26 climate summit

Greta Thunberg and fellow youth campaigners struck a sceptical tone for this week's climate talks in Italy, saying much have been promised but little done to tackle global warming in almost three decades since the landmark Earth Summit. Watch this report for more details.

Greta Thunberg mocks Biden's climate agenda

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, under pressure to adopt a 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target, said in an interview published Monday that he may not join this year's landmark UN climate summit in Glasgow. Watch this report for more details.

Australian PM Morrison indicates he might not attend climate summit

UK Prime Minister Boris Johson put climate action on the forefront as he arrived in New York. Johnson is co-hosting a closed-door meeting to push countries to act on the Paris climate deal commitments ahead of the major COP26 summit.

WION-USA Direct: UK PM Johnson co-hosts crucial climate meet ahead of COP26

Countries across the world are now gearing up for one of the biggest climate summits which is scheduled to take place in Glasgow at Scotland.

Glasgow climate summit at risk of failure, states U.N. Chief

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has been invited to the ‘Middle East Green Initiative Summit’ by Saudi Arabia on Friday. The summit will be held in October.&nbsp;

The invitation for the prime minister was delivered at his office by Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, a Dawn report said. In a statement, the PM Office said, Khan has accepted the invitation.&nbsp;

Earlier, Saudi Arabia had announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over $123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report.&nbsp;

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief)'s Supervisor General Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah said that the assistance was announced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

He said that the kingdom has provided medical and preventive aid worth over USD 1.5 million to combat the pandemic.&nbsp;

Prior to this, both countries had vowed to reset ties, which had been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

In a sharply worded statement in August last year, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene a high-level meeting on Kashmir. &nbsp;

The call raised eyebrows in Riyadh, where it was widely seen as a warning that Pakistan was preparing to call for a session outside OIC auspices. &nbsp;

Saudi Arabia prides itself on its role as guardian of Islam's holiest sites and is particularly sensitive about any move that might undermine its leadership of the 57-member pan-Islamic body. &nbsp;

And while the wealthy nation has supported Pakistan with billions of dollars in aid and loans in recent years, observers say the kingdom is also keen not to upset India, a key business partner and importer of Saudi oil.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has been invited to the ‘Middle East Green Initiative Summit’ by Saudi Arabia on Friday. The summit will be held in October.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has been invited to the ‘Middle East Green Initiative Summit’ by Saudi Arabia on Friday. The summit will be held in October. The invitation for the prime minister was delivered at his office by Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, a Dawn report said. In a statement, the PM Office said, Khan has accepted the invitation. Earlier, Saudi Arabia had announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over $123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief)'s Supervisor General Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah said that the assistance was announced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the kingdom has provided medical and preventive aid worth over USD 1.5 million to combat the pandemic. Prior to this, both countries had vowed to reset ties, which had been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue. In a sharply worded statement in August last year, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene a high-level meeting on Kashmir. The call raised eyebrows in Riyadh, where it was widely seen as a warning that Pakistan was preparing to call for a session outside OIC auspices. Saudi Arabia prides itself on its role as guardian of Islam's holiest sites and is particularly sensitive about any move that might undermine its leadership of the 57-member pan-Islamic body. And while the wealthy nation has supported Pakistan with billions of dollars in aid and loans in recent years, observers say the kingdom is also keen not to upset India, a key business partner and importer of Saudi oil. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM gets Saudi Arabia invite for ‘Middle East Green Initiative Summit’ 

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday approved a 24 per cent cut to the environment budget for 2021 from 2020’s levels. This comes in a day after the country vowed to increase its budget to fight deforestation in the country.

During the climate summit organised by US President Joe Biden, Bolsonaro promised to double the budget for environment enforcement and to end illegal deforestation by 2030.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/life-returns-to-polluted-brazil-river-after-removal-of-tonnes-of-trash-379566/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In just less than 24 hours, Bolsonaro signed off on the 2021 federal budget which included $365.30 (2 billion reais) million for the Environment Ministry and agency overseen by the ministry. This marks a drop of 2.6 billion reais, as cited by the government’s gazette. Even then, spending may be tweaked over the year.

"The gesture of giving a speech yesterday isn't enough… Brazil's government needs to do its homework”, Congressman Rodrigo Agostinho, leader of the environmental caucus in Congress was cited as saying by Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/please-delay-pregnancies-brazil-urges-local-women-amid-coronavirus-surge-378199" hreflang="en">'Please delay pregnancies', Brazil urges local women amid coronavirus surge</a>

In addition to the funding drop, Bolsonaro also vetoed a series of environmental budget provisions worth 240 million reais.&nbsp;

All questions to Bolsonaro so far have been directed to the Economy Ministry, which told Reuters that the budget for environment was in sync with what was proposed by the president originally.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-brazil-graveyard-shift-reveals-staggering-cost-of-pandemic-378134" hreflang="en">In Brazil, graveyard shift reveals staggering cost of pandemic&nbsp;</a>

Earlier on Friday, the country’s Environment Minister Ricardo Salles posted a request on social media asking for 270 million reais as additional funding for the country’s environment agency Ibama along with its parks service ICMBio.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday approved a 24 per cent cut to the environment budget for 2021 from 2020’s levels. This comes in a day after the country vowed to increase its budget to fight deforestation in the country.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday approved a 24 per cent cut to the environment budget for 2021 from 2020’s levels. This comes in a day after the country vowed to increase its budget to fight deforestation in the country. During the climate summit organised by US President Joe Biden, Bolsonaro promised to double the budget for environment enforcement and to end illegal deforestation by 2030. In just less than 24 hours, Bolsonaro signed off on the 2021 federal budget which included $365.30 (2 billion reais) million for the Environment Ministry and agency overseen by the ministry. This marks a drop of 2.6 billion reais, as cited by the government’s gazette. Even then, spending may be tweaked over the year. "The gesture of giving a speech yesterday isn't enough… Brazil's government needs to do its homework”, Congressman Rodrigo Agostinho, leader of the environmental caucus in Congress was cited as saying by Reuters. Also read: 'Please delay pregnancies', Brazil urges local women amid coronavirus surge In addition to the funding drop, Bolsonaro also vetoed a series of environmental budget provisions worth 240 million reais. All questions to Bolsonaro so far have been directed to the Economy Ministry, which told Reuters that the budget for environment was in sync with what was proposed by the president originally. Also read: In Brazil, graveyard shift reveals staggering cost of pandemic Earlier on Friday, the country’s Environment Minister Ricardo Salles posted a request on social media asking for 270 million reais as additional funding for the country’s environment agency Ibama along with its parks service ICMBio. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil cuts environment budget a day after US climate summit

Climate change is the punching bag of world politics and is the footnote of every joint diplomatic statement.

When rivals cannot find common ground, they talk about climate instead.

That's what the US and China are doing as they can't agree on anything, so they are discussing climate change.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-the-world-unite-against-climate-change-379350/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The same is the case with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden's </a>climate summit, but he is silent on a proposed one-on-one meeting.

Politicians love to call themselves allies of nature, but can they unite to deal with climate change?

The question arises as their track record is not impressive.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-nation-can-solve-this-crisis-on-their-own-says-biden-as-he-opens-virtual-climate-summit-379286">'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit</a>

Look at the Wuhan virus pandemic, thousands of people are dying every day.

It's been more than a year and we are still waiting for a coordinated global response.

We talk about a globalised world, but when the tragedy struck it was every country for itself.

From travel bans to now vaccines, every decision has been unilateral.&nbsp;The world has more than enough resources to crush this pandemic.

But there is neither a plan nor a joint approach. While Europe has extra vaccines, and Sub-Saharan Africa on the other hand has none.

When most of the world was staying at home, people in Yemen and Syria were fleeing from bombs.

Ideally, this should not have happened as, to avoid the virus there needs to be social distancing for individuals, not countries.

The Wuhan virus is a pressing issue, but climate change, on the other hand, is a long-term problem.

And we know how much politicians love the backburner.

If it's not on their calendar, it is not a pressing matter.

That's one reason why climate change is relegated to talking shops.

But why is climate action such a difficult issue?

A United Nations survey found that 64 per cent of people believe climate change is a global emergency.

The number sounds impressive, 60 per cent of people also believe the earth is round.

Science is not a matter of opinion, it is based on facts.

But politicians have used climate change to rally their support base.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;did that during his presidency and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro continues to do it in Brazil.

Denying climate change has become a political strategy and scientists have not been able to bust these theories.

They say the bigger tsunamis and hurricanes are caused by climate change. But proving this link is difficult.

For instance, the oceans are rising, that's a fact, but it's not something you can see by going to the beach every day.

So the first challenge is to accept the problem. The second one is to accept responsibility.&nbsp;

Temperatures aren't rising themselves, so who triggered climate change in the first place?

Most of the pollution we see today is courtesy the West.

Even now, they make up more than half the global emissions. So it is a crisis that the West created, but now they want the whole world to solve it.

And this has created friction between the global north and south.

A lot of these people don't know where their next meal is coming from. Climate change is not their top priority and that should hardly be surprising.

If the choice is between fighting poverty and climate change, it is a no-brainer for the developing world.

So the solution lies in the developed world footing the bill.

They must transfer technology to developing nations, something which was the spirit of the 1992 Rio Declaration. It called for common, but differentiated responsibilities.

Is the West doing that? It isn't.&nbsp;Instead of transferring technology and money, it is outsourcing its pollution to the global south. And then telling countries to set up better targets. There is also no denying that our modern lifestyle is part of the problem and we prefer cars over walking or biking.

We pack most of our groceries in polythene, instead of paper. These may appear small, but imagine seven billion people doing the same every day.&nbsp;

Climate change is unlike any challenge humanity has faced because unlike pandemics and wars, here we have a warning.&nbsp;

We have time to prepare for the impending disaster, but we are not exactly making good use of it.

We're arguing and grandstanding, instead of acting.

We end this argument with this observation that with masks and vaccines, we can beat the Wuhan virus. But when the oceans rise, there is no fix.

When the air becomes unbreathable, masks will not work.

So it's time for world leaders to pull up their socks as we have had more than enough summits on climate change.

What we need now is concrete and legal action.

Climate change is the punching bag of world politics and is the footnote of every joint diplomatic statement. When rivals cannot find common ground, they talk about climate instead.

Climate change is the punching bag of world politics and is the footnote of every joint diplomatic statement. When rivals cannot find common ground, they talk about climate instead. That's what the US and China are doing as they can't agree on anything, so they are discussing climate change. Watch | The same is the case with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended US President Joe Biden's climate summit, but he is silent on a proposed one-on-one meeting. Politicians love to call themselves allies of nature, but can they unite to deal with climate change? The question arises as their track record is not impressive. Also read | 'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit Look at the Wuhan virus pandemic, thousands of people are dying every day. It's been more than a year and we are still waiting for a coordinated global response. We talk about a globalised world, but when the tragedy struck it was every country for itself. From travel bans to now vaccines, every decision has been unilateral. The world has more than enough resources to crush this pandemic. But there is neither a plan nor a joint approach. While Europe has extra vaccines, and Sub-Saharan Africa on the other hand has none. When most of the world was staying at home, people in Yemen and Syria were fleeing from bombs. Ideally, this should not have happened as, to avoid the virus there needs to be social distancing for individuals, not countries. The Wuhan virus is a pressing issue, but climate change, on the other hand, is a long-term problem. And we know how much politicians love the backburner. If it's not on their calendar, it is not a pressing matter. That's one reason why climate change is relegated to talking shops. But why is climate action such a difficult issue? A United Nations survey found that 64 per cent of people believe climate change is a global emergency. The number sounds impressive, 60 per cent of people also believe the earth is round. Science is not a matter of opinion, it is based on facts. But politicians have used climate change to rally their support base. Donald Trump did that during his presidency and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro continues to do it in Brazil. Denying climate change has become a political strategy and scientists have not been able to bust these theories. They say the bigger tsunamis and hurricanes are caused by climate change. But proving this link is difficult. For instance, the oceans are rising, that's a fact, but it's not something you can see by going to the beach every day. So the first challenge is to accept the problem. The second one is to accept responsibility. Temperatures aren't rising themselves, so who triggered climate change in the first place? Most of the pollution we see today is courtesy the West. Even now, they make up more than half the global emissions. So it is a crisis that the West created, but now they want the whole world to solve it. And this has created friction between the global north and south. A lot of these people don't know where their next meal is coming from. Climate change is not their top priority and that should hardly be surprising. If the choice is between fighting poverty and climate change, it is a no-brainer for the developing world. So the solution lies in the developed world footing the bill. They must transfer technology to developing nations, something which was the spirit of the 1992 Rio Declaration. It called for common, but differentiated responsibilities. Is the West doing that? It isn't. Instead of transferring technology and money, it is outsourcing its pollution to the global south. And then telling countries to set up better targets. There is also no denying that our modern lifestyle is part of the problem and we prefer cars over walking or biking. We pack most of our groceries in polythene, instead of paper. These may appear small, but imagine seven billion people doing the same every day. Climate change is unlike any challenge humanity has faced because unlike pandemics and wars, here we have a warning. We have time to prepare for the impending disaster, but we are not exactly making good use of it. We're arguing and grandstanding, instead of acting. We end this argument with this observation that with masks and vaccines, we can beat the Wuhan virus. But when the oceans rise, there is no fix. When the air becomes unbreathable, masks will not work. So it's time for world leaders to pull up their socks as we have had more than enough summits on climate change. What we need now is concrete and legal action.

Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits

Joe Biden kick-started leaders summit on climate crisis. 40 world leaders including Narendra Modi, Presidents of Russia & China joined. Each leader pledged their part of 'climate action' on the summit which coincides with Earth Day 2021. Here's a roundup from day 1.

World leaders address climate crisis in a virtual summit

Just like the rest of us, World leaders had to deal with the challenges of a virtual meet. The live-streamed Global Climate Summit started with a Glitch, followed by more glitches. Echoes, random beeps, overlapping speeches & requests to unmute reverberated at the Summit. Watch

Tech fails hit Global Climate Summit 2021

US President Joe Biden on Thursday opened an international climate summit in which he said that Washington "isn't waiting" to lead on a "moral and economic imperative" issue.&nbsp;

"The cost of inaction keeps mounting. The United States isn't waiting," Biden said in his address of the two-day summit being hosted virtually by the White House.

Biden said that he aims to build infrastructure that can produce and deploy cleaner technology for "those we harness today and those we will invent tomorrow".&nbsp;

He said that he has spoken to climate experts and sees a "prosperous" and an "equitable" future.&nbsp;

The US president also talked about a host of actions that the US is taking to fight climate change, in which he talked about the manufacturing of electric vehicles and their infrastructure, the building of green hydrogen, among others.&nbsp;

"The US sets out on the road to cut greenhouse gases by half at the end of this decade," Biden said.

"These steps will set America on a path at net zero emissions of the economy by no later than 2050."

But, he warned, "no nation can solve this crisis on their own".&nbsp;

Biden also told the summit that the US will double aid to developing nations who are battling the climate crisis.

"To help them meet that goal, the United States will double... by 2024 our annual public climate financing development to developing countries," he said.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday opened an international climate summit in which he said that Washington "isn't waiting" to lead on a "moral and economic imperative" issue.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday opened an international climate summit in which he said that Washington "isn't waiting" to lead on a "moral and economic imperative" issue. "The cost of inaction keeps mounting. The United States isn't waiting," Biden said in his address of the two-day summit being hosted virtually by the White House. Biden said that he aims to build infrastructure that can produce and deploy cleaner technology for "those we harness today and those we will invent tomorrow". He said that he has spoken to climate experts and sees a "prosperous" and an "equitable" future. The US president also talked about a host of actions that the US is taking to fight climate change, in which he talked about the manufacturing of electric vehicles and their infrastructure, the building of green hydrogen, among others. "The US sets out on the road to cut greenhouse gases by half at the end of this decade," Biden said. "These steps will set America on a path at net zero emissions of the economy by no later than 2050." But, he warned, "no nation can solve this crisis on their own". Biden also told the summit that the US will double aid to developing nations who are battling the climate crisis. "To help them meet that goal, the United States will double... by 2024 our annual public climate financing development to developing countries," he said.

'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit

Environmental champion Greta Thunberg assailed powerful politicians on Thursday for "ignoring" climate change, as she demanded an end to fossil fuel subsidies and implored the current generation of leaders to take the crisis more seriously.

Speaking as world leaders gathered at a climate summit hosted by US President Joe Biden, 18-year-old Thunberg warned that powerful interests and lawmakers were contributing to the "destruction" of living conditions around the globe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-nation-can-solve-this-crisis-on-their-own-says-biden-as-he-opens-virtual-climate-summit-379286">'No nation can solve this crisis on their own': Biden opens climate summit</a>

"How long do you honestly believe people in power like you will get away with it?" the Swedish activist said via videolink in a biting rebuke to a US House panel.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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⚠️This is an emergency alert for the general public⚠️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MindTheGap?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MindTheGap</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersClimateSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersClimateSummit</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EarthDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EarthDay</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoMoreEmptySummits?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoMoreEmptySummits</a> <a href="https://t.co/e1z1A783I2">pic.twitter.com/e1z1A783I2</a>
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1385165197350952961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"How long do you think you can continue ignoring the climate crisis, the global aspect of equity and historic emissions without being held accountable?" she asked.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dalai-lama-100-other-nobel-laureates-urge-stop-on-fossil-fuel-expansion-379310" hreflang="en">Dalai Lama, 100 other Nobel laureates urge stop on fossil fuel expansion</a>

"You get away with it now, but sooner or later people are going to realise what you have been doing all this time."

Thunberg, the world's foremost young climate activist, has addressed members of the US Congress before, at a hearing in 2019.

But Thursday's remarks coincided with Biden's Earth Day Climate Summit, in which he committed to aggressive new goals for reducing emissions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-calls-for-lifestyle-change-to-battle-climate-crisis-379292" hreflang="en">Indian PM Modi calls for 'lifestyle' change to battle climate crisis</a>

As leaders like China's President Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi of India and Russia's Vladimir Putin expressed commitments to reduce emissions, Thunberg said global action was still far short of where it should be.

"It is the year 2021. The fact we are still having this discussion and even more that we are still subsidising fossil fuels directly or indirectly using taxpayer money is a disgrace," she said.

"It is proof that we have not understood the climate emergency at all."

She also directly accused the current generation of politicians of "giving up without even trying. Well I'm here to tell you that unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight."

Thunberg in particular criticized the continued use of fossil fuel subsidies, which in the United States have been on the books for over 100 years, even though Washington committed in 2009 to bringing them to an end.

Congressman Ro Khanna, who chairs the environmental subcommittee to which Thunberg testified, said he and other House Democrats support ending the billions of dollars in subsidies in the next infrastructure package under consideration in Congress.

"What it's going to do is stop having taxpaying subsidies go to pay lobbyists and rich executives," he said.&nbsp;

Environmental champion Greta Thunberg assailed powerful politicians on Thursday for "ignoring" climate change, as she demanded an end to fossil fuel subsidies and implored the current generation of leaders to take the crisis more seriously.

Environmental champion Greta Thunberg assailed powerful politicians on Thursday for "ignoring" climate change, as she demanded an end to fossil fuel subsidies and implored the current generation of leaders to take the crisis more seriously. Speaking as world leaders gathered at a climate summit hosted by US President Joe Biden, 18-year-old Thunberg warned that powerful interests and lawmakers were contributing to the "destruction" of living conditions around the globe. Also read | 'No nation can solve this crisis on their own': Biden opens climate summit "How long do you honestly believe people in power like you will get away with it?" the Swedish activist said via videolink in a biting rebuke to a US House panel. ⚠️This is an emergency alert for the general public⚠️#MindTheGap#LeadersClimateSummit#EarthDay#NoMoreEmptySummits pic.twitter.com/e1z1A783I2 — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) April 22, 2021 × "How long do you think you can continue ignoring the climate crisis, the global aspect of equity and historic emissions without being held accountable?" she asked. Also read | Dalai Lama, 100 other Nobel laureates urge stop on fossil fuel expansion "You get away with it now, but sooner or later people are going to realise what you have been doing all this time." Thunberg, the world's foremost young climate activist, has addressed members of the US Congress before, at a hearing in 2019. But Thursday's remarks coincided with Biden's Earth Day Climate Summit, in which he committed to aggressive new goals for reducing emissions. Also read | Indian PM Modi calls for 'lifestyle' change to battle climate crisis As leaders like China's President Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi of India and Russia's Vladimir Putin expressed commitments to reduce emissions, Thunberg said global action was still far short of where it should be. "It is the year 2021. The fact we are still having this discussion and even more that we are still subsidising fossil fuels directly or indirectly using taxpayer money is a disgrace," she said. "It is proof that we have not understood the climate emergency at all." She also directly accused the current generation of politicians of "giving up without even trying. Well I'm here to tell you that unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight." Thunberg in particular criticized the continued use of fossil fuel subsidies, which in the United States have been on the books for over 100 years, even though Washington committed in 2009 to bringing them to an end. Congressman Ro Khanna, who chairs the environmental subcommittee to which Thunberg testified, said he and other House Democrats support ending the billions of dollars in subsidies in the next infrastructure package under consideration in Congress. "What it's going to do is stop having taxpaying subsidies go to pay lobbyists and rich executives," he said.

Greta Thunberg blasts politicians for 'ignoring' climate crisis

The US President has invited 40 world leaders, including Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, to the summit

PM Modi to attend US-hosted virtual climate summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted how India is battling climate change and called for altering "lifestyle" to battle this global menace.&nbsp;

"For humanity to combat climate change, concrete action is needed. We need such action at a high speed, at a large scale, and with a global scope," Modi said as he addressed the virtual climate summit.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"Humanity is battling a global pandemic right now and this event is a timely reminder that grave threat of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateChange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateChange</a> hasn't disappeared. It is a lived reality for millions around the world," says Indian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersClimateSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersClimateSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/ncsrwS6h4L">pic.twitter.com/ncsrwS6h4L</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1385215560347099141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He said that India's renewable energy target of 450 GW by 2030 shows the nation's "commitment".&nbsp;

"Despite our developmental challenges, we have taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and biodiversity," Modi said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-nation-can-solve-this-crisis-on-their-own-says-biden-as-he-opens-virtual-climate-summit-379286">'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit</a>

He also said New Delhi has encouraged global initiatives on this issue, including International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure.

Modi asked other countries to "create templates of sustainable development in India," adding that this can also help other developing nations to get affordable access to green finance and clean technology.&nbsp;

"That is why President Biden and I are launching the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership," Modi said, adding that it will help in investment, demonstrating green technologies, among others.&nbsp;

Modi also said, "India's per capita carbon footprint is 60 per cent lower than the global average."

"It is because of our lifestyle still rooted in sustainable traditional practices," the Indian PM said, underscoring the importance of lifestyle change in battling climate change.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted how India is battling climate change and called for altering "lifestyle" to battle this global menace.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted how India is battling climate change and called for altering "lifestyle" to battle this global menace. "For humanity to combat climate change, concrete action is needed. We need such action at a high speed, at a large scale, and with a global scope," Modi said as he addressed the virtual climate summit. Watch | "Humanity is battling a global pandemic right now and this event is a timely reminder that grave threat of #ClimateChange hasn't disappeared. It is a lived reality for millions around the world," says Indian PM @narendramodi at #LeadersClimateSummit pic.twitter.com/ncsrwS6h4L — WION (@WIONews) April 22, 2021 × He said that India's renewable energy target of 450 GW by 2030 shows the nation's "commitment". "Despite our developmental challenges, we have taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and biodiversity," Modi said. Also read | 'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit He also said New Delhi has encouraged global initiatives on this issue, including International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure. Modi asked other countries to "create templates of sustainable development in India," adding that this can also help other developing nations to get affordable access to green finance and clean technology. "That is why President Biden and I are launching the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership," Modi said, adding that it will help in investment, demonstrating green technologies, among others. Modi also said, "India's per capita carbon footprint is 60 per cent lower than the global average." "It is because of our lifestyle still rooted in sustainable traditional practices," the Indian PM said, underscoring the importance of lifestyle change in battling climate change.

Indian PM Modi calls for 'lifestyle' change to battle climate crisis

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is mighty disappointed with the US administration not inviting his country to a conference on climate change.

The prime minister's statement comes days after the White House announced names of 40 world leaders -- invited by US President Joe Biden -- to participate in a virtual global climate summit on April 22-23.&nbsp;

According to a White House statement, the invited leaders represent countries that are top polluters, show strong climate leadership, are “especially vulnerable” to climate impacts, or are “charting innovative pathways to a net-zero economy”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-invites-40-world-leaders-including-xi-and-putin-to-virtual-climate-summit-373539">Also read |&nbsp;Biden invites 40 world leaders, including Xi and Putin, to virtual climate summit</a>

Imran Khan wasn’t on the list.&nbsp;

It was also announced that US climate envoy John Kerry would travel to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, and Dhaka from April 1 to 9 in an effort to narrow differences on climate change goals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-climate-envoy-to-travel-to-uae-india-and-bangladesh-374634">Also read |&nbsp;US climate envoy to travel to UAE, India and Bangladesh</a>

Pakistan again did not feature on the list. And Imran Khan begs to differ.

Khan on Saturday took to Twitter to express his displeasure.

He wrote, "I am puzzled at the cacophony over Pak not being invited to a climate change conf! My govt's environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean &amp; green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change.

"Hence our initiatives of Green Pak, 10 bn-tree tsunami, nature based solutions, cleaning up our rivers etc. We have gained vast experience in 7 yrs, beg with KP, &amp; our policies are being recognised &amp; lauded. We are ready to help any state wanting to learn from our experience.

"I have already laid out priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 - COP26 - if the international community is serious about countering impact of climate change."

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I am puzzled at the cacophony over Pak not being invited to a climate change conf! My govt's environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean &amp; green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1378231390702034947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hence our initiatives of Green Pak, 10 bn-tree tsunami, nature based solutions, cleaning up our rivers etc. We have gained vast experience in 7 yrs, beg with KP, &amp; our policies are being recognised &amp; lauded. We are ready to help any state wanting to learn from our experience.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1378231394741129216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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I have already laid out priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 - COP26 - if the international community is serious about countering impact of climate change.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1378231397870108673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Islamabad had earlier also suggested that Pakistan’s low emissions rate, coupled with its globally recognised tree-planting initiatives, qualify it for the summit.

Reports say that Khan and Biden haven't interacted even via telephone ever since the latter assumed office in January, 2021.

The US State Department though had, earlier this week, said that Washington looked forward to working with Islamabad on the climate crisis at different levels.

Notably, Russia and Pakistan's all-weather ally, China have made the cut to Biden's list of 40 countries.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is mighty disappointed with the US administration not inviting his country to a conference on climate change. The prime minister's statement comes days after the White House announced names of 40 world leaders -- invited by US President Joe Biden -- to participate in a virtual global climate summit on April 22-23.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is mighty disappointed with the US administration not inviting his country to a conference on climate change. The prime minister's statement comes days after the White House announced names of 40 world leaders -- invited by US President Joe Biden -- to participate in a virtual global climate summit on April 22-23. According to a White House statement, the invited leaders represent countries that are top polluters, show strong climate leadership, are “especially vulnerable” to climate impacts, or are “charting innovative pathways to a net-zero economy”. Also read | Biden invites 40 world leaders, including Xi and Putin, to virtual climate summit Imran Khan wasn’t on the list. It was also announced that US climate envoy John Kerry would travel to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, and Dhaka from April 1 to 9 in an effort to narrow differences on climate change goals. Also read | US climate envoy to travel to UAE, India and Bangladesh Pakistan again did not feature on the list. And Imran Khan begs to differ. Khan on Saturday took to Twitter to express his displeasure. He wrote, "I am puzzled at the cacophony over Pak not being invited to a climate change conf! My govt's environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean & green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change. "Hence our initiatives of Green Pak, 10 bn-tree tsunami, nature based solutions, cleaning up our rivers etc. We have gained vast experience in 7 yrs, beg with KP, & our policies are being recognised & lauded. We are ready to help any state wanting to learn from our experience. "I have already laid out priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 - COP26 - if the international community is serious about countering impact of climate change." I am puzzled at the cacophony over Pak not being invited to a climate change conf! My govt's environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean & green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 3, 2021 × Hence our initiatives of Green Pak, 10 bn-tree tsunami, nature based solutions, cleaning up our rivers etc. We have gained vast experience in 7 yrs, beg with KP, & our policies are being recognised & lauded. We are ready to help any state wanting to learn from our experience. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 3, 2021 × I have already laid out priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 - COP26 - if the international community is serious about countering impact of climate change. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 3, 2021 × Islamabad had earlier also suggested that Pakistan’s low emissions rate, coupled with its globally recognised tree-planting initiatives, qualify it for the summit. Reports say that Khan and Biden haven't interacted even via telephone ever since the latter assumed office in January, 2021. The US State Department though had, earlier this week, said that Washington looked forward to working with Islamabad on the climate crisis at different levels. Notably, Russia and Pakistan's all-weather ally, China have made the cut to Biden's list of 40 countries.

Imran Khan disappointed with Pakistan's exclusion from US-led global climate summit

Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>will be attending the 2-day virtual summit on climate change being hosted by US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>. Washington has invited 40 countries for the summit that will take place from April 22 to April 23. In South Asia, Prime Minister of India, Bhutan's Lotay Tshering and Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina have been invited, with the notable absence of Pakistani PM Imran Khan. &nbsp;

Confirming PM Modi attending the summit, Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said, "President Biden of US, invited PM Modi to attend the climate leaders' summit that will happen virtually...PM welcomed President Biden's initiative and accepted the invitation".

Summit will reconvene the US-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together 17 countries responsible for approximately 80 per cent of global emissions and global GDP. The is the 2nd time both leaders will take part in a virtual meet. March saw both leaders together for the first Quad virtual summit.

Ahead of the summit, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be in India from April 5 to April 8. John Kerry will be the second top Biden Administration official to visit India in the last one month. March saw the visit of US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin.

Arindam said, "purpose of the visit will be discussing the forthcoming climate leaders' summit and climate issues in general in the context of 26th 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference."

 
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the 2-day virtual summit on climate change being hosted by US President Joe Biden. Washington has invited 40 countries for the summit that will take place from April 22 to April 23.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the 2-day virtual summit on climate change being hosted by US President Joe Biden. Washington has invited 40 countries for the summit that will take place from April 22 to April 23. In South Asia, Prime Minister of India, Bhutan's Lotay Tshering and Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina have been invited, with the notable absence of Pakistani PM Imran Khan. Confirming PM Modi attending the summit, Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said, "President Biden of US, invited PM Modi to attend the climate leaders' summit that will happen virtually...PM welcomed President Biden's initiative and accepted the invitation". Summit will reconvene the US-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together 17 countries responsible for approximately 80 per cent of global emissions and global GDP. The is the 2nd time both leaders will take part in a virtual meet. March saw both leaders together for the first Quad virtual summit. Ahead of the summit, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be in India from April 5 to April 8. John Kerry will be the second top Biden Administration official to visit India in the last one month. March saw the visit of US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin. Arindam said, "purpose of the visit will be discussing the forthcoming climate leaders' summit and climate issues in general in the context of 26th 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference."

Indian PM Modi to attend US President Biden's climate summit

Britain is not planning to postpone the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, a government spokesperson has clarified.

The spokesperson on Wednesday responded to a Sky News report that said the summit could be cancelled or radically changed.

The November summit in Glasgow, Scotland, was originally due to be held in 2020, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

“We are not looking to postpone the summit,” the spokesperson said. “We are working on the basis of COP26 being held in person this November, while closely monitoring the COVID situation.”

Earlier, Sky said two government sources had suggested the summit might have to be delayed for a second time amid signs that the pandemic is worsening in some parts of the world.

“The summit team is working closely with all partners and exploring what different scenarios might mean for COP26 and how we plan for that, whilst putting the health of the participants and the local community first,” the government spokesperson said.

The summit had been seen as a way for post-Brexit Britain to forge closer relations with the United States, which under President Joe Biden has recommitted to accords on climate change.

Britain is hoping to use the summit to revitalise commitments to international climate aims after a pandemic that has pushed the environment down the global list of priorities.

Britain is not planning to postpone the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, a government spokesperson has clarified. The spokesperson on Wednesday responded to a Sky News report that said the summit could be cancelled or radically changed.

Britain is not planning to postpone the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, a government spokesperson has clarified. The spokesperson on Wednesday responded to a Sky News report that said the summit could be cancelled or radically changed. The November summit in Glasgow, Scotland, was originally due to be held in 2020, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. “We are not looking to postpone the summit,” the spokesperson said. “We are working on the basis of COP26 being held in person this November, while closely monitoring the COVID situation.” Earlier, Sky said two government sources had suggested the summit might have to be delayed for a second time amid signs that the pandemic is worsening in some parts of the world. “The summit team is working closely with all partners and exploring what different scenarios might mean for COP26 and how we plan for that, whilst putting the health of the participants and the local community first,” the government spokesperson said. The summit had been seen as a way for post-Brexit Britain to forge closer relations with the United States, which under President Joe Biden has recommitted to accords on climate change. Britain is hoping to use the summit to revitalise commitments to international climate aims after a pandemic that has pushed the environment down the global list of priorities.

UK not looking to postpone COP26 climate summit, govt spokesperson clarifies

Britain, host of this year's COP26 climate summit, drew harsh criticism from experts after its annual budget put energy transition on the back burner while a new coal mine was greenlit.

The UK, which has committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, will lead the next UN climate gathering in Glasgow in November.

Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to deliver a "green revolution" that would ban high-polluting new diesel and petrol cars by 2030, boost cutting-edge electric technology, and make Britain a global leader in wind power.

However, Johnson has not delivered on his pledge, according to Lancaster University professor Rebecca Willis, who specialises in the environment.

- 'Kickstart economy after Covid' -

"Boris Johnson has repeatedly confirmed his commitment to ambitious climate action, and to the UK's net zero greenhouse gas emissions target," Willis told AFP.

"But we have not yet seen whether he is delivering on his promise.

"The government has a huge opportunity now to kickstart the economy after Covid by providing incentives for green jobs, and investment in zero carbon infrastructure."

Johnson's partner, environmentalist Carrie Symonds, stated recently that politicians have a "gigantic responsibility to make the right decisions" over the climate crisis.

His father Stanley in February meanwhile called for his son to "practise what he preaches" by funding his environmental pledges.

Britain's budget, delivered Wednesday by finance minister Rishi Sunak against the backdrop of soaring coronavirus-fuelled debt and slumping economic growth, sought to harness the green energy transition to help spark recovery.

Sunak confirmed the launch of an Infrastructure Bank with £12 billion ($17 billion) in capital, which will finance projects in the green economy like carbon capture and renewable energy.

However, campaigners argue that the measures fell short of tackling what they describe as a climate emergency.

- 'Failed to clock the urgency' -

"For all the talk of a green recovery, this budget suggests the chancellor has failed to clock the urgency of the climate emergency," said Greenpeace spokeswoman Rebecca Newsom.

"A National Infrastructure Bank and green bonds could be steps forward, but without a guarantee they will provide sustained investment to decarbonise buildings, transport and industry, they are unlikely to do much to advance climate action."

She lamented that Britain now had "weakened authority on the world stage" ahead of COP26.&nbsp;

"Successive budgets that approach the climate and nature emergency in a half-hearted manner have left us running out of time and credibility."

Government attempts to improve energy efficiency have also fallen flat, according to Warwick University professor Caroline Kuzemko.

"Insulating the UK's poor-quality housing stock is one of the lowest cost routes to decarbonisation," Kuzemko noted.

"It helps reduce energy poverty, lowers household energy bills, warm homes have significant health benefits, whilst consistent and supportive energy efficiency policy supports new jobs.

"This administration is far too timid, and inconsistent in their energy efficiency policymaking," she added.

- 'Really problematic' coal mine -

Yet Johnson faced the harshest criticism over his decision not to intervene in a local authority's approval in January of the country's first new deep coal mine in decades.

The coastal project, whose developer is Australian-owned West Cumbria Mining, would be located near the town of Whitehaven and supply European and UK steelmakers with metallurgical coal.

Cumbria County Council is currently reviewing the plans after approving the facility in October, despite outcry from environmental campaigners.

"The decision to allow this coal mine to go ahead is really problematic," Willis told AFP.

"I have looked closely at the evidence on the mine, and it's clear that opening new coal mines is totally incompatible with UK climate legislation and our Paris commitments.

"It also damages the UK's reputation at a crucial time in the run-up to the COP26 summit in November."

The proposed facility also sparked outcry because the government wants to phase out coal-powered electricity by 2025.

Britain, host of this year's COP26 climate summit, drew harsh criticism from experts after its annual budget put energy transition on the back burner while a new coal mine was greenlit.

Britain, host of this year's COP26 climate summit, drew harsh criticism from experts after its annual budget put energy transition on the back burner while a new coal mine was greenlit. The UK, which has committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, will lead the next UN climate gathering in Glasgow in November. Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to deliver a "green revolution" that would ban high-polluting new diesel and petrol cars by 2030, boost cutting-edge electric technology, and make Britain a global leader in wind power. However, Johnson has not delivered on his pledge, according to Lancaster University professor Rebecca Willis, who specialises in the environment. - 'Kickstart economy after Covid' - "Boris Johnson has repeatedly confirmed his commitment to ambitious climate action, and to the UK's net zero greenhouse gas emissions target," Willis told AFP. "But we have not yet seen whether he is delivering on his promise. "The government has a huge opportunity now to kickstart the economy after Covid by providing incentives for green jobs, and investment in zero carbon infrastructure." Johnson's partner, environmentalist Carrie Symonds, stated recently that politicians have a "gigantic responsibility to make the right decisions" over the climate crisis. His father Stanley in February meanwhile called for his son to "practise what he preaches" by funding his environmental pledges. Britain's budget, delivered Wednesday by finance minister Rishi Sunak against the backdrop of soaring coronavirus-fuelled debt and slumping economic growth, sought to harness the green energy transition to help spark recovery. Sunak confirmed the launch of an Infrastructure Bank with £12 billion ($17 billion) in capital, which will finance projects in the green economy like carbon capture and renewable energy. However, campaigners argue that the measures fell short of tackling what they describe as a climate emergency. - 'Failed to clock the urgency' - "For all the talk of a green recovery, this budget suggests the chancellor has failed to clock the urgency of the climate emergency," said Greenpeace spokeswoman Rebecca Newsom. "A National Infrastructure Bank and green bonds could be steps forward, but without a guarantee they will provide sustained investment to decarbonise buildings, transport and industry, they are unlikely to do much to advance climate action." She lamented that Britain now had "weakened authority on the world stage" ahead of COP26. "Successive budgets that approach the climate and nature emergency in a half-hearted manner have left us running out of time and credibility." Government attempts to improve energy efficiency have also fallen flat, according to Warwick University professor Caroline Kuzemko. "Insulating the UK's poor-quality housing stock is one of the lowest cost routes to decarbonisation," Kuzemko noted. "It helps reduce energy poverty, lowers household energy bills, warm homes have significant health benefits, whilst consistent and supportive energy efficiency policy supports new jobs. "This administration is far too timid, and inconsistent in their energy efficiency policymaking," she added. - 'Really problematic' coal mine - Yet Johnson faced the harshest criticism over his decision not to intervene in a local authority's approval in January of the country's first new deep coal mine in decades. The coastal project, whose developer is Australian-owned West Cumbria Mining, would be located near the town of Whitehaven and supply European and UK steelmakers with metallurgical coal. Cumbria County Council is currently reviewing the plans after approving the facility in October, despite outcry from environmental campaigners. "The decision to allow this coal mine to go ahead is really problematic," Willis told AFP. "I have looked closely at the evidence on the mine, and it's clear that opening new coal mines is totally incompatible with UK climate legislation and our Paris commitments. "It also damages the UK's reputation at a crucial time in the run-up to the COP26 summit in November." The proposed facility also sparked outcry because the government wants to phase out coal-powered electricity by 2025.

UK green strategy under fire before COP26 climate meet

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. The invitation was handed over by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign Office to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during his London visit.&nbsp;

The summit is being hosted virtually by the UK as the COP26 President, United Nations, France in partnership with Chile was the president of COP 25 and Italy, president of COP 26. COP is Climate Change Conference and the 26th conference will take place in Glasgow, Scotland from 1st to 12th November 2021 under London's leadership.

Sir Philip Barton who is the UK’s most senior diplomat and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service after his meeting with Indian Foreign secretary said, “I am delighted to welcome Foreign Secretary Shringla to London to discuss our joint priorities. India has a special place in my heart and I know first-hand the importance of building the relationship between our two countries"

He added, "Foreign Secretary Shringla and I agreed a strengthened UK-India partnership will be a force for good in the world, in facing the big international challenges over the next decade, such as climate change and global security.”

The summit aims at long term strategies for net-zero emissions, climate finance commitments for vulnerable countries among many things. Interestingly, December 12 marks the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. The invitation was handed over by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign Office to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during his London visit.

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. The invitation was handed over by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign Office to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during his London visit. The summit is being hosted virtually by the UK as the COP26 President, United Nations, France in partnership with Chile was the president of COP 25 and Italy, president of COP 26. COP is Climate Change Conference and the 26th conference will take place in Glasgow, Scotland from 1st to 12th November 2021 under London's leadership. Sir Philip Barton who is the UK’s most senior diplomat and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service after his meeting with Indian Foreign secretary said, “I am delighted to welcome Foreign Secretary Shringla to London to discuss our joint priorities. India has a special place in my heart and I know first-hand the importance of building the relationship between our two countries" He added, "Foreign Secretary Shringla and I agreed a strengthened UK-India partnership will be a force for good in the world, in facing the big international challenges over the next decade, such as climate change and global security.” The summit aims at long term strategies for net-zero emissions, climate finance commitments for vulnerable countries among many things. Interestingly, December 12 marks the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

UK invites India for climate summit

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected an offer from the government to lead a major United Nations climate summit taking place in November. Known as COP26, the summit in Glasgow is seen as a moment of truth for the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat global warming.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected an offer from the government to lead a major United Nations climate summit taking place in November. Known as COP26, the summit in Glasgow is seen as a moment of truth for the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat global warming. Britain will be responsible for persuading major powers to accept more ambitious emissions cuts. "It was an honour to be asked to do that job and I was very grateful to be asked," Cameron, who served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, told reporters. "But I think its best in these situations if you have a government minister doing the job - you then have sort of one line of command rather than perhaps two people doing the same thing," he said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked summit head, Clare O'Neill, last week. O'Neill said Johnson had shown a lack of leadership and engagement over the summit. Also Read: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga Many critics feel that this announcement is damage control to shield UK's credentials in terms of the environment. However, the British PM behind a successful Brexit, disagrees and claims that it is part of the government's larger plan to cut down CO2 emissions by 2050. [ Britain's former Prime Minister David Cameron (Courtesy: Reuters) ] O'Neil clapped back at Johnson and claimed that he does not understand climate change. "Well, he [Boris Johnson] doesn't get it, I think is what he said. But others around him do", she stated. "I think my advice to anybody to whom Boris is making promises, whether it is voters, world leaders, ministers, employees or indeed family members, is to get it in writing. Get a lawyer to look at it and make sure the money's in the bank", O'Neil added.

Former British PM Cameron turns down climate summit job

U.N. Climate Summit deadlocked, many countries feel the draft is 'unambitious'. Watch this video to know more. #UN #UNClimateSummit #ClimateSummit

U.N. Climate Summit deadlocked, many countries felt draft as 'unambitious'

A marathon UN climate summit wrapped up Sunday with little to show, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anger-erupts-at-un-climate-summit-as-major-economies-resist-bold-action-268332">squeezing hard-earned compromises from countries</a> over the global warming battle plan that fell well short of what science says is needed to tackle the climate crisis.

The COP25 deal "expresses the urgent need" for new carbon cutting commitments to close the gap between current emissions and the Paris treaty goal of capping temperature at below two degrees, host country Spain said in a statement.

"Today &nbsp;the citizens of the &nbsp;world are asking for us to move ahead faster and better, in financing, adaptation, mitigation," Carolina Schmidt, Chilean environment minister and President of COP25, told the closing plenary.&nbsp;

Following a year of deadly extreme weather and weekly strikes by millions of young people demanding action, negotiations in Madrid were under pressure to send a clear signal that governments were willing to double down.

The summit -- moved at the last minute from Chile due to unrest -- at times teetered on the brink of collapse as rich polluters, emerging powerhouses and climate-vulnerable nations groped for common ground in the face of competing national interests.

"Based on the adopted text, there is a glimmer of hope that the heart of the Paris Agreement is still beating," said Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift, referring the treaty inked in the French capital.&nbsp;

"But its pulse is very weak." &nbsp;

Negotiators from nearly 200 nations came to Spain's capital with the aim of finalising the rulebook for the 2015 agreement, which enjoins nations to limit global temperature to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit).

'Missing in action'

With the accord set to become operational next year, it had been hoped COP 25 would show the world that governments would be moved by protests, irrefutable science, and deadly storms and wildfires that marked 2019 to redouble their efforts.

But greater ambition -- how far each country is willing to slash carbon emissions or assist less wealthy peers to do likewise -- has largely failed to materialise.

Veteran observers of UN climate talks were stunned by the state of play.

"Never have I seen such a disconnect between what the science requires and what the climate negotiations are delivering in terms of meaningful action," said Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and a 28-year veteran of the climate process.

"Most of the world's biggest emitting countries are missing in action and resisting calls to raise their ambition."

The push for a strengthening of voluntary carbon cutting plans is led by small-island and least-developed states, along with the European Union.

These have called out nations they see as blocking consensus for all countries to step up, notably the United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

China and India, the world's No. 1 and No. 4 carbon emitters, made it clear they see no need to improve on their current emissions reduction plans, which run to 2030.

These emerging giants chose instead to emphasise the historical responsibility of rich nations to lead the way and provide financing to poor countries.&nbsp;

"Major players who needed to deliver in Madrid did not live up to expectations," said Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and, as France top negotiator, a main architect of the Paris Agreement.

"But thanks to a progressive alliance of small island states, European, African and Latin American countries, we obtained the best possible outcome, against the will of big polluters."

'Loss and damage'

The summit was also meant to finalise a chapter on carbon markets in the Paris rulebook.

Some nations, notably Brazil and Australia, want to count carbon credits accumulated under a previous climate deal as part of their commitments under the Paris goals.

Discussions over markets ended in impasse Sunday and the issue will to be handed over to next year's COP 26 in Glasgow.

The US, which is leaving the Paris deal next year, was accused of playing spoiler on a number of issues vital to climate-vulnerable nations. &nbsp;

This included so-called "loss and damage" funding to help disaster-hit countries repair and rebuild.&nbsp;

"The US has not come here in good faith," said Harjeet Singh, climate lead with charity ActionAid.&nbsp;

"They continue to block the world's efforts to help people whose lives have been turned upside down by climate change."

Even if all countries implement their current plans under Paris, Earth is on course to warm more than 3C by 2100.

The failure to get the rulebook finalised in Madrid mean all eyes will be on Glasgow 2020 -- when the true Paris deal deadline falls.&nbsp;

"We must all act quickly, working in partnership to decarbonise our economies and adapt to the impact of climate change," Archie Young, Britain's Head of International Climate Change Negotiations.

A marathon UN climate summit wrapped up Sunday with little to show, squeezing hard-earned compromises from countries over the global warming battle plan that fell well short of what science says is needed to tackle the climate crisis.

A marathon UN climate summit wrapped up Sunday with little to show, squeezing hard-earned compromises from countries over the global warming battle plan that fell well short of what science says is needed to tackle the climate crisis. The COP25 deal "expresses the urgent need" for new carbon cutting commitments to close the gap between current emissions and the Paris treaty goal of capping temperature at below two degrees, host country Spain said in a statement. "Today the citizens of the world are asking for us to move ahead faster and better, in financing, adaptation, mitigation," Carolina Schmidt, Chilean environment minister and President of COP25, told the closing plenary. Following a year of deadly extreme weather and weekly strikes by millions of young people demanding action, negotiations in Madrid were under pressure to send a clear signal that governments were willing to double down. The summit -- moved at the last minute from Chile due to unrest -- at times teetered on the brink of collapse as rich polluters, emerging powerhouses and climate-vulnerable nations groped for common ground in the face of competing national interests. "Based on the adopted text, there is a glimmer of hope that the heart of the Paris Agreement is still beating," said Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift, referring the treaty inked in the French capital. "But its pulse is very weak." Negotiators from nearly 200 nations came to Spain's capital with the aim of finalising the rulebook for the 2015 agreement, which enjoins nations to limit global temperature to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit). 'Missing in action' With the accord set to become operational next year, it had been hoped COP 25 would show the world that governments would be moved by protests, irrefutable science, and deadly storms and wildfires that marked 2019 to redouble their efforts. But greater ambition -- how far each country is willing to slash carbon emissions or assist less wealthy peers to do likewise -- has largely failed to materialise. Veteran observers of UN climate talks were stunned by the state of play. "Never have I seen such a disconnect between what the science requires and what the climate negotiations are delivering in terms of meaningful action," said Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and a 28-year veteran of the climate process. "Most of the world's biggest emitting countries are missing in action and resisting calls to raise their ambition." The push for a strengthening of voluntary carbon cutting plans is led by small-island and least-developed states, along with the European Union. These have called out nations they see as blocking consensus for all countries to step up, notably the United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia. China and India, the world's No. 1 and No. 4 carbon emitters, made it clear they see no need to improve on their current emissions reduction plans, which run to 2030. These emerging giants chose instead to emphasise the historical responsibility of rich nations to lead the way and provide financing to poor countries. "Major players who needed to deliver in Madrid did not live up to expectations," said Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and, as France top negotiator, a main architect of the Paris Agreement. "But thanks to a progressive alliance of small island states, European, African and Latin American countries, we obtained the best possible outcome, against the will of big polluters." 'Loss and damage' The summit was also meant to finalise a chapter on carbon markets in the Paris rulebook. Some nations, notably Brazil and Australia, want to count carbon credits accumulated under a previous climate deal as part of their commitments under the Paris goals. Discussions over markets ended in impasse Sunday and the issue will to be handed over to next year's COP 26 in Glasgow. The US, which is leaving the Paris deal next year, was accused of playing spoiler on a number of issues vital to climate-vulnerable nations. This included so-called "loss and damage" funding to help disaster-hit countries repair and rebuild. "The US has not come here in good faith," said Harjeet Singh, climate lead with charity ActionAid. "They continue to block the world's efforts to help people whose lives have been turned upside down by climate change." Even if all countries implement their current plans under Paris, Earth is on course to warm more than 3C by 2100. The failure to get the rulebook finalised in Madrid mean all eyes will be on Glasgow 2020 -- when the true Paris deal deadline falls. "We must all act quickly, working in partnership to decarbonise our economies and adapt to the impact of climate change," Archie Young, Britain's Head of International Climate Change Negotiations.

Anger, relief but no joy as UN talks limp to an end

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