The Latest Breaking News from COP26

In our 250th edition, we ask just how well the fight against climate change is really going

In this week’s newsletter: We began writing Down to Earth in 2021, but the global political, economic and environmental landscape has changed drastically in the past five years

The Guardian - UK · May 29

Thousands march in Glasgow for ‘biggest climate rally since Cop26’

Thousands of people gathered on Glasgow Green for a march organised by Friends of the Earth Scotland.

Evening Standard · Nov 15, 2025

Methane is turbocharging unnatural disasters – Australia must get serious about reducing emissions

One of the most significant achievements of the 26th United Nations climate conference in Glasgow (COP26) three years ago was the launch of the Global Methane Pledge. The goal is to reduce global methane emissions at least 30% by 2030.

The Conversation · Jul 30, 2024

Cop26 chief Alok Sharma becomes latest MP planning to step down at next election

The news comes after Mr Sharma criticised Rishi Sunak’s net-zero climbdown last week

The Independent UK · Sep 26, 2023

Met police marksmen sent home from COP26 over ‘Swoop’ puppet pictures lose discrimination claim

Images had been posted on social media of a puppet – Police Dog Swoop – posing on an officer’s shoulder, looking through the telescopic sight of a sniper rifle, and in the gun’s cross hairs

Evening Standard · Sep 26, 2023

G20 nations spent record money on fossil fuel subsidies in 2022: report

Despite promises made at the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow to reduce fossil fuel subsidies, a report has shown that G20 nations poured a record €1.3 trillion into the fossil fuel industry in 2022.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 24, 2023

G20 poured more than $1tn into fossil fuel subsidies despite Cop26 pledges – report

Public money still flowing into industry despite agreement to phase out ‘inefficient’ subsidies, thinktank says

The Guardian - UK · Aug 22, 2023

Destruction of world’s pristine rainforests soared in 2022 despite Cop26 pledge

An area of primary rainforest the size of Switzerland was felled last year suggesting world leaders’ commitment to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030 is failing

The Guardian - UK · Jun 27, 2023

Sadiq Khan left ‘barely conscious’ after suspected heart attack before Cop26

A suspected heart attack and adult-onset asthma are two challenges the London mayor has faced

The Independent UK · May 23, 2023

Glasgow pub opening hours could be extended during major cycling event

Opening hours for pubs, clubs and restaurants were extended during climate conference COP26 and a similar move could be made during the cycling world championships in August.

Glasgow Live · May 11, 2023