COP26 nations urged to adopt ‘balanced’ deal

COP26 nations urged to adopt ‘balanced’ deal

Talks stumble on emission cuts, climate cash ‘cliffhanger’

GLASGOW: Britain yesterday urged compromise among feuding COP26 delegates as it touted a “balanced” package to help avert the worst effects of climate change in what was meant to be the Glasgow summit’s final hours. COP26 president Alok Sharma told delegates from nearly 200 countries that a draft summit text attempted to reconcile yawning gaps between rich emitters and developing nations that have hobbled the fortnight’s discussions.

“Everyone has had a chance to have their say. I hope that colleagues will appreciate what is on the table,” he said, presenting a third draft text. “While not every aspect will be welcomed by everyone, collectively, this is a package that really moves things forward for everyone,” Sharma added. He added “it is my intention that we will close this COP this afternoon” – while allowing more time for haggling over technical issues.

After three nights of all-night negotiations that have blown COP26 past its scheduled finish of Friday, delegates are still trying to agree a deal to deliver greater emissions cuts and vital finance for vulnerable states. The new draft text released by Sharma’s team urged nations to accelerate efforts to phase out unfiltered coal and