What is COP26?

COP26 arrives in Glasgow - 1st November 2021

Countries from around the world are gathering for a conference in the UK. This conference, called COP26, could be vital in the struggle to control climate change.

The climate conference is an annual event, although Covid-19 caused 2020's meeting to be cancelled.

For 2021, the meeting is being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 31st October to 12th November. And it could mean major changes to our lives.

200 countries have been invited to the conference. Each country is being asked for its plans to reduce carbon emissions by 2030.

In 2015 in Paris, 195 countries all agreed to make changes to keep global warming "well below" 2C and to try and reach 1.5C if possible.

This is what's known as the Paris Agreement. It states that countries have to keep making bigger emission cuts until they reach net zero, which means releasing almost no carbon, by 2050.

Glasgow is preparing to host up to 25,000 people, including world leaders, negotiators, and journalists. Tens of thousands of campaigners and businesses will also be there to protest, network and hold events.

At the end of the conference, each country is expected to agree to specific actions. These actions should keep every country on course for 'net zero'.

Some of these decisions could directly affect our daily lives. They could change whether you drive a petrol car, heat your home with gas, or take as many flights.