The COP25 summit.
The annual UN climate conference (COP25) in Madrid concluded on December 15, after a record two-day extension, but with negotiations still deadlocked over the technical rules for carbon markets functioning under the Paris Agreement. Despite global protests, the emergence of Extinction Rebellion, and the rise to prominence of Greta Thunberg, discussions proceeded sluggishly over preparations for countries to update their national climate pledges at next year’s conference in Glasgow.
The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement takes effect in November and will provide further space for laggards to slow progress.
Australia’s short-term wildfire challenge will overshadow criticisms of its longer-term domestic and international climate policy.
Saudi Arabia, the host of next year’s G20, will aim to deflect attention from fossil fuel issues towards biodiversity and plastic litter.
New Zealand’s ‘Zero Carbon Act’ will become the global model for domestic climate legislation, replacing the UK Climate Change Act.
