COP26: A roadmap to 1.5°C requires leaders to show a ‘crisis mindset’

As the World Leaders Summit closes and the detailed COP26 negotiations begin, we take a look at if we on track to keep 1.5°C alive.

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The Elders are present in Glasgow calling for an ambitious and credible pathway to keeping global temperature rises to 1.5°C. This is a huge test of political leadership that requires a ‘crisis mindset’.

What has happened at COP26 so far?

India, the world’s third-biggest emitter, has come forward with stronger emission reduction targets.
Brazil has stepped back from its 2015 targets.
Australia has continued to disappoint with flimsy projections for 2030 instead of a concrete plan.

"We need to see more leaders in crisis mode"

- Mary Robinson

Mary Robinson's COP26 analysis

As a regular commentator on Sky News during COP26, Mary Robinson explained how, similar to COP21 in Paris, it is the climate vulnerable communities who are driving much of the action – but it is the rich countries and the Global North who bear most of the responsibility.

The Elders continue to call for effective climate action that includes yearly increases in already ambitious targets, spearheaded by the G20. World leaders need to crisis leadership if we are to keep a path to 1.5°C alive.

The Elders and COP26

The Elders call for a change of mindset and radical climate action, in the Independent.
“It is awkward when someone should be speaking, but they don’t”: Mary Robinson on how the legal community must refuse to remain silent in the face of the climate crisis.
A gender-just response to the climate crisis is the best way to tackle it. Find out what The Elders call for on gender-responsive climate finance.
Ricardo Lagos reflects on what is at stake at COP26, and reiterates The Elders’ call for ambitious and ethical leadership.