Britain will host climate and environment ministers from 51 countries on July 25 for “critical” climate talks ahead of November’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (“COP26”), summit in Glasgow.
British minister Alok Sharma, president of what is officially called the “Conference of Parties” COP26, will lead the two-day meeting, which London said will address “key issues that require resolution” at the summit.
Sharma “hopes to build common ground and sketch the outline of the Glasgow outcome”, according to a statement released by the British government.
Environment and climate officials from France, the United States, India, and China will be among those taking part in the closed-door meeting, which will include both virtual and in-person attendance.
“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.”
It is the first face-to-face ministerial meeting of its kind in more than 18 months.
The event will cover the goal of keeping to the 1.5 degree Celsius temperature rise limit, exploring topics such as climate finance, efforts to adapt to climate change, and finalizing 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.
With input from agencies
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