The Asia-Pacific region will be in the spotlight over the next two weeks at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. Many of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change are located here; the seven G20 members from this region are responsible for over half of global greenhouse gas emissions; and five of the 10 top countries with the greatest historic responsibility for emissions since the beginning of the 20th century are from Asia.
While the starting point for Asia and the Pacific is not encouraging, the good news is that momentum for climate action is building. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will hold a series of COP26 side events and other activities in collaboration with member States and various partners, which will showcase the outcomes of regional deliberations and innovative initiatives at the global platform.
