Seventh Report: A climate for ambition: Diplomatic preparations for COP26

The government acknowledges the critical importance of COP26 for global climate action and outlines its four key goals for the summit: securing net zero, adapting to protect communities, mobilising finance, and working collaboratively to deliver outcomes.

The government states that its Four Goals strategy for COP26 was developed through extensive consultations with developing countries and civil society to ensure inclusivity. It highlights the successful alignment and outcomes from the G7 Leaders Summit, where commitments were made to increase climate finance and embed climate considerations into economic decision-making, demonstrating efforts to mobilise support through key events.

The government is working on a broader strategy to operationalise climate and biodiversity commitments and will update the committee in due course. Specific decisions on resourcing and structures for supporting future COP presidencies, including staff and expertise, will be taken as part of the next Spending Review.

The government acknowledges that tackling climate change is its top international priority and agrees with integrating climate objectives into foreign policy. It highlights its extensive diplomatic network, ministerial engagement, and specific policies like the Fossil Fuels Policy and ODA alignment as evidence of its existing holistic approach to environmental diplomacy.

The government accepts integrating COP26 objectives into its foreign policy, highlighting its work as G7 and COP26 Presidents to align processes and promote green infrastructure investment and trade. However, the response does not address the recommendation to publish a dedicated international development strategy before COP26 that prioritises climate and biodiversity with specific commitments.

The government confirms that climate diplomacy is central to the FCDO's work, with clear engagement priorities given to its diplomatic network. It highlights its existing communications strategy, which uses international media and public engagement across various channels to raise awareness and promote support for COP26 beyond governments.

The government details extensive close collaboration with the US administration, including frequent high-level meetings between leaders and climate envoys, to align climate summit and COP26 objectives, contributing to the success of the US Leaders’ Summit. It also outlines cooperation with China, with agreements between leaders and engagements with officials to push for ambitious commitments and mutually supportive outcomes.

The government details its existing and ongoing efforts to work with Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable countries, and collaborates with previous hosts like Chile through joint initiatives, summits, and consultations to build climate action networks and drive global ambition.

The government accepts the recommendation, committing to continue inclusive pre-meetings through monthly multilateral consultations and the July Ministerial, which are designed for broad participation across time zones. It further commits to publishing the results or summaries of these discussions online and sharing agendas well in advance for transparency and inclusivity.

The government accepts the recommendation by detailing its ambitious domestic climate policies, including the Ten Point Plan and sixth carbon budget, and committing to a Net Zero Strategy. It highlights the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Programme and specific financial measures like the UK green taxonomy and mandatory TCFD-aligned disclosures by 2025.

The government rejects securing carbon pricing as an outcome for COP26, stating it is not a mandated discussion. However, it acknowledges the risk of carbon leakage and commits to working with G7 partners to embed climate considerations into economic decision-making and increase the use of policy levers to price carbon.

The government commits to holding an in-person COP26 and will provide vaccines for delegates from Least Developed Countries unable to access them. They are also considering how to use technology to enhance participation and inclusivity and will work with partners on virtual offers.

The government acknowledges the need for contingency planning regarding the format of COP26 due to COVID-19, stating it is actively reviewing options for hybrid events and the Green Zone, but defers providing specific criteria or detailed plans until 'in due course'.

The government stated its intent to hold COP26 in person, but committed to specific actions to ensure sustainability and carbon neutrality. These include aiming for ISO20121 certification, implementing a robust Carbon Management Plan to reduce and offset emissions, and encouraging low-carbon travel while offsetting associated emissions.