COP26 summit ‘too big’ to happen in person, warns climate change negotiator

A CLIMATE change negotiator has said the COP26 summit cannot happen in full and in person due to Covid.

Christina Figueres said it is unlikely 25,000 people could go as planned — but insisted world leaders must be there.

She added: “Over the past 18 months we have actually shifted our mindset and realised that much can be done without our physical presence.

“Somewhere that is only virtual I think is going to be extremely difficult.

“It will probably not be possible to have 25,000 people descend on Glasgow as was originally planned.

“And so the big question is going to be, what is the sweet spot in between that will allow for successful and efficient negotiations?" 

COP26 President Designate Alok Sharma wants leaders in Glasgow in November to secure a deal to curb global warming at 1.5 degrees.

Ministers have offered vaccine stocks to developing countries to help more people attend.

But it emerged neither China nor India have submitted updated climate plans for the summit.