The world is watching as global leaders gather in Glasgow for the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference -- hoping that they will make brave decisions that will deliver on the promises made in the Paris Agreement. Taking place from 31 October to 12 November 2021, the top priorities are: 1) Keeping global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C through rapid, bold emissions cuts and net-zero commitments; 2) increasing international finance for adaptation to at least half the total spent on climate action; and 3) Meeting the existing commitment to provide $100 billion in international climate finance each year so that developing countries can invest in green technologies, and protect lives and livelihoods against worsening climate impacts.

Research by UNDP highlights that the world spends $423 billion annually to subsidize fossil fuels for consumers including oil, gas, and coal. UNDP’s new Don’t Choose Extinction campaign aims to raise public awareness of how these fossil fuel subsidies are cancelling out significant progress towards ending climate change and are driving inequality by benefitting the rich. Revolving around an innovative dinosaur theme, a host of celebrity voices have lent their voice to the campaign including actors Jack Black, Eiza González, Aïssa Maïga and Stephen Fry. Use the campaign’s new thought-provoking film and toolkit to start a conversation in the country where you work. Read UNDP’s new feature story on fossil fuels. Share these two new UNDP reports on carbon pricing & fossil fuel subsidy reform as well as the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Simulator to help governments make the transition. 

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are a vital means for countries to commit to increasingly ambitious climate action. UNDP’s Climate Promise now supports 120 countries to enhance their NDCs. Our NDC Global Outlook Report 2021 shows that the number of countries intending to enhance their NDCs rose from 75 in 2019 to 178 in 2021 -- with many developing countries leading the way. The new G20 People’s Climate Vote outlines how a majority of under-18s believe that climate change is a global emergency, ranging from Argentina and Saudi Arabia (63%), to Italy and the UK (86%). These young people, shortly entering the workforce and reaching voting age, will increase the pressure on Governments to make climate action a top priority. UNDP will join UNFCCC, UNEP, and the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General for a flagship event at COP 26, where we will launch the next phase of the Climate Promise, From Pledge to Action -- register here to join the event on 3 November 2021 at 7:30 am (EST).

Can’t make it to Glasgow? UNDP is helping to ensure that everyone has a say in their future through the Dear World Leaders campaign. Invite your friends, family, or colleagues to record a 1-minute video on how world leaders can take climate action and change the future. To get inspired, watch what Administrator Steiner has to say. Ahead of COP26, UNDP’s Cassie Flynn outlines what to expect, here are the seven most important climate action-related highlights you need to know and discover these 50 climate solutions.