What is COP26 and why is it happening?

The world is warming because of emissions from fossil fuels used by humans, like coal, oil and gas.

Extreme weather events linked to climate change - including heatwaves, floods and forest fires - are intensifying. The past decade was the warmest on record and governments agree urgent collective action is needed.

For COP26, 200 countries were asked for their plans to cut emissions by 2030. COP stands for "Conference of the Parties", and this has been the 26th annual summit.

Under the Paris Agreement of 2015, countries were asked to make changes to keep global warming "well below" 2C - and to try to aim for 1.5C - in order to prevent a climate catastrophe.

The goal is to keep cutting emissions until they reach net zero in 2050.

What's been agreed at COP26?

The pact asks countries to republish their climate action plans, with more ambitious emissions reduction targets for 2030, by the end of next year.

The text emphasises the need for developed countries to increase the money they give to those countries already suffering the effects of climate change, beyond the current $100bn target.

The agreement - although not legally binding - will set the global agenda on climate change for the next decade.

Does it go far enough?

The text on eliminating use of coal is weak and commits countries only to "phasedown" of "unabated" coal - in other words, coal-burning which is carried out without some form of carbon capture and storage. The previous draft had said "phase-out" but that was changed after a last minute intervention by India and China.

The agreement does still call for "phase-out" of "inefficient" subsidies for fossil fuels.

What else has been agreed in Glasgow?

There has been a flurry of new announcements, including:

US-China co-operation

What is the announcement?

In a surprise announcement, the US and China pledged to boost climate co-operation over the next decade.

Steps were agreed on a range of issues, including:

methane emissions

the transition to clean energy

de-carbonisation

The joint declaration says both sides will "recall their firm commitment to work together" to achieve the 1.5C temperature goal set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Why it matters?

As the world's two biggest CO2 emitters, an agreement between the US and China is seen as critical in keeping the 1.5C temperature rise threshold within reach.

China has previously been reluctant to tackle its domestic coal emissions in the short term - so this statement is seen as recognition of the need for urgent action.

Does it go far enough?

Organisations including Greenpeace International have welcomed the joint declaration. However, its executive director, Jennifer Morgan, also warned that both countries needed to show greater commitment to reaching climate goals.

"Ultimately their statement falls short of the call by the climate vulnerable countries demanding that nations come back to the table every year with greater ambition until the 1.5C gap is closed," she said.

Trees

What is the announcement?

Leaders from more than 100 world countries, representing about 85% of the world's forests, promised to stop deforestation by 2030.

Why it matters?

Trees can absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) - one of the key greenhouse gases adding to global warming. So, ending deforestation is seen as a vital way to tackle climate change.

Does it go far enough?

Similar previous initiatives haven't stopped deforestation, but this one's better funded. However, it's unclear how the pledge will be policed or monitored. And Indonesia, one of the main signatories, later said the plan was "unfair".

Methane

What is the announcement?

A scheme to cut 30% of current methane emissions by 2030 has been agreed by more than 100 countries.

Why it matters?

Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, and is currently responsible for a third of human-generated warming. The majority comes from a range of activities, such as cattle production and waste disposal.

Does it go far enough?

The big emitters China, Russia and India haven't joined - but it's hoped they will later.

Coal

What is the announcement?

More than 40 countries - which include major coal-users including Poland, Vietnam and Chile - agreed to shift away from coal.

Why it matters?

Coal is the single biggest contributor to climate change. Although progress has been made in reducing its use, it still produced about 37% of the world's electricity in 2019.

Does it go far enough?

Some of the world's most coal-dependent countries, including Australia, India, China and the US, haven't signed up. And the agreement doesn't cover other fossil fuels such as oil or gas.

Money

What is the announcement?

Some 450 financial organisations, who between them control $130tn, agreed to back "clean" technology, such as renewable energy, and direct finance away from fossil fuel-burning industries.

Why it matters?

The initiative is an attempt to involve private companies in meeting net zero targets, and to commit them to providing finance for green technology.

Does it go far enough?

There is no set definition yet as to what net zero targets actually are. Also, some environmental organisations have said that without a greater commitment to ending fossil-fuel finance, this initiative may amount to little more than a PR exercise.