What happened?
On 13 November, COP-26 culminated with the Glasgow Climate Pact to keep global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius. Around 197 countries signed the agreement, which provides for 'phase-down' of coal, rather than a 'phase-out.' The text of the pact now reads- "…including accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, recognizing the need for support towards a just transition." The last-minute change in the language hinted at a compromised deal, falling short of expectations. 

The agreement also calls the big polluting countries to come back and submit more substantial pledges for reducing emissions by the end of 2022 and has addressed the long-standing issue of carbon trading that prevented the complete implementation of the Paris Agreement. However, there was no mention of setting up a 'loss and damage facility,' a formal body that would be at the helm of paying reparations for the poorest and climate-vulnerable countries. The wealthier nations led by the US and EU expressed their resistance, fearing an additional expenditure. Instead, the deal promises further negotiations on this issue and urged the richer nations to pay USD 100 billion that was promised a decade ago. 

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his disappointment at the outcome of the conference and said that "Our fragile planet is hanging by a thread. We are still knocking at the door of climate catastrophe. The approved texts are a compromise. They reflect the interests, the conditions and contradictions and the state of political will in the world today. They take important steps. But unfortunately, the collective political will was not enough to overcome some deep contradictions." 
Talking about the pact and India and China's role in the change of language on coal, the US climate envoy John Kerry said that "if we had not done that, we would not have had an agreement." However, Switzerland, Mexico, and small island countries voiced strong opinions against the outcomes of the summit. The Swiss representative remarked: "…we do not need a phase down coal but to phase out coal. This will not bring us closer to 1.5C but make it more difficult to reach it." COP-26 President Alok Sharma "apologized for the way this process has unfolded." Climate activist Greta Thunberg dismissed the summit and the pact saying "The #COP26 is over. Here's a brief summary: Blah, blah, blah. But the real work continues outside these halls. And we will never give up, ever." 

What is the background?
First, the expectations from Glasgow summit. Prior to the summit, the UN had stated the three-point criteria for assessing the outcome of the talks- pledges to cut the carbon emissions in half by 2030, USD 100 billion as financial aid to the poorer nations fighting climate change, and ensure the use of the fund for adaptation and coping with the worst effects of climate change. These key points, though discussed, did not see the light. 

Second, the achievements in Glasgow. The COP-26 witnessed important deals and agreements being signed, including Global Methane Pledge, Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement, and Declaration on Forests and Land Use. The GFANZ, a grouping of private players committed to the provisions of the Paris Agreement. The conference was also marked by protests from the youth and citizen groups against the meek commitments to fight climate change.

Third, the dilution in Glasgow. In the final leg of the COP-26, while discussing the Pact, India and China proposed a significantly weaker wording in the clause talking about coal. The last-minute blitzkrieg by India and countries with similar thoughts forced a compromised agreement, much to the dismay of others.  
Fourth, the resistance in Glasgow. Prime emitters like India, China, US and Australia, the major producer of coal was not amongst the 45 countries who signed the statement on clean energy. China, Japan and India were also not with the 20 countries which committed to halt funding for fossil fuel projects abroad. These countries did once again show strong resistance to climate action. 

What does it mean?
First, the continuing narrative of CBDR. Much to the disappointment of other countries, India intervened and watered down the language in the draft concerning phasing out coal. While doing so, the main argument put across, was the historical errors by the developed world and the need for development in the developing world. Small island countries like Maldives and Tuvalu, who are the least contributors and the most affected due to climate change, demanded actions and funds for adaptation from the richer countries. The long-standing argument of common but differentiated responsibilities continues to dominate climate dialogues, often acting as an obstacle to reaching satisfactory agreements. 

Second, a bold step towards coal. Glasgow Climate Pact is the first agreement that explicitly states the need to reduce coal to contain greenhouse gas emissions. The message from COP-26 was clear- the coal powered era will gradually come to an end. Glasgow talk is a positive step towards this target.