Cop26 president Alok Sharma struck a hopeful note on Friday about the prospects for agreeing a deal in the climate summit’s final hours.
Mr Sharma said all-night talks had led to draft agreements that "bring us another step closer" to the summit's goal of turning the tide against climate change.
But he said “a small number of key issues remain”, which mean a Friday evening finish for the talks is not yet certain.
The two-week negotiations were heading for a rocky climax as tensions over finance, fossil fuels and carbon trading stalled progress in Glasgow.
Under pressure from fossil-fuel reliant countries, negotiators have toned down calls to phase out oil, coal and gas.
The latest draft agreement calls on countries to scrap unabated coal power and inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels, adding qualifications to a previous text.
An earlier version that circulated on Wednesday had urged parties to “accelerate the phasing out of coal and subsidies for fossil fuel".
The amendments cast doubt on whether the UK summit hosts would succeed in their aim of “consigning coal to history” at Cop26.
But Mr Sharma said talks on financing the green transition had gathered pace after he bemoaned a lack of progress on Thursday.
He urged negotiators to seize the final hours of Cop26 as a "chance to forge a cleaner, healthier, more prosperous world" and come forward with pragmatic solutions so the summit could finish on time.
"Across the full suite of the draft decisions, a small number of key issues remain which require our urgent collective attention," he said.
"It has been my sincere intention throughout Cop26 to bring this conference to a smooth and orderly close at the end of today. We need that final injection of that can-do spirit which is present at this Cop so we get this shared endeavour over the line."
After Mr Sharma spoke, dozens of countries took the floor to make their final pleas to the summit, with some lamenting the stalemate on carbon markets which has remained unresolved since the Paris Agreement.
Final hours
The 12-day talks have produced a string of promises by batches of individual countries to cut methane emissions, curb deforestation and turn their backs on coal power.
But the final texts, which will sum up the progress made in Glasgow, require negotiations between all of the nearly 200 delegations.
"It was a late night for us yesterday, and we expect there might be a couple of hours left before we can conclude," said Sweden's chief negotiator Mattias Frumerie, who expressed hope of leaving on time. "Let’s say that Friday is a long day."
Leonore Gewessler, Austria’s Minister for Climate Action, revealed there was a group of states who were "lobbying hard for fossil fuel energy".
“There are attempts to weaken every concrete element," she said. "They are also reluctant for the ambitious declarations of recent days to be in the final text.”
Although some were cheered by the fact fossil fuels were mentioned in the text at all, activists said even the initial version did not go far enough.
"The new final decision text could be better, it should be better, and we have one day left to make it a lot, lot better," said Jennifer Morgan, the head of Greenpeace International. "Right now the fingerprints of fossil fuel interests are still on the text and this is not the breakthrough deal that people hoped for in Glasgow.
"The key line on phasing out coal and fossil fuel subsidies has been critically weakened, but it’s still there and needs to be strengthened again before this summit closes."
Britain had hailed a breakthrough last week when dozens of countries agreed to phase out coal, which is regarded as the dirtiest fossil fuel.
In another agreement, more than 100 nations promised to cut their emissions of methane, which is highly potent in warming the planet.
The draft text published on Friday “invites parties to consider further actions to reduce by 2030 non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions, including methane”.
A second draft agreement called on countries to revisit their 2030 pledges by the end of next year, sooner than required by the Paris Agreement.
The provisional texts, which may change again before a final version is agreed, said rapid CO2 reductions were needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Changes to the text can include the subtleties of whether countries are urged, requested or invited to take the steps that activists say are essential.
The Paris deal set the goal of limiting global warming to 2°C, or preferably to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels, to prevent catastrophic effects on the climate.
But UN chief Antonio Guterres told delegates that the current suite of national climate plans would actually lead to emissions increasing by 2030.
“We need pledges to be implemented. We need commitments to turn concrete. We need actions to be verified,” he said.
Mr Sharma, the summit president, told negotiators that “we still have a monumental challenge ahead of us” as talks entered their final stretch.
He insisted the summit could finish as planned on Friday evening, but there were concerns that talks could stretch deep into the weekend.
Jochen Flasbarth, the head of the German delegation, told German radio his team was making preparations to stay into the weekend if necessary.
The question of finance continues to loom over the talks, with the draft text expressing concern that money for adaptation “remains insufficient”.
“Negotiations on finance really need to accelerate and they need to accelerate now,” Mr Sharma said on Thursday.
Investors with $130 trillion of assets promised in the first week of talks to manage their funds in accordance with the Paris goals.
Rich countries who missed a 2020 deadline to provide $100 billion in annual climate finance are now promising to do so by 2023.
Negotiators were also working on the so-called Paris Rulebook, the agreed rules for how the global climate deal should be implemented.
"We’re seeing texts coming out which will probably be revised during the course of the day," said Mr Frumerie, the Swedish delegate.
"There have been some developments which we think are positive but we also want to see further action being taken in these last couple of hours."
A letter by the official Friends of Cop – expert advisers appointed by the UK government – said the same urgency was needed on finance and adaptation as on cutting emissions.
They told Mr Sharma that countries should be pressed harder into improving their climate plans by Cop27 in Egypt next year, or at the latest by Cop28 in the UAE.
"Today's draft is an improvement but still falls short of where we need to get," said Justin Adams, one of the advisers.
"Finance remains the thread that links it all together and is essential to restore trust in the broader process."
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
Read more about the coronavirus
Formula%204%20Italian%20Championship%202023%20calendar
%3Cp%3EApril%2021-23%3A%20Imola%3Cbr%3EMay%205-7%3A%20Misano%3Cbr%3EMay%2026-28%3A%20SPA-Francorchamps%3Cbr%3EJune%2023-25%3A%20Monza%3Cbr%3EJuly%2021-23%3A%20Paul%20Ricard%3Cbr%3ESept%2029-Oct%201%3A%20Mugello%3Cbr%3EOct%2013-15%3A%20Vallelunga%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
New schools in Dubai
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Previous men's records
- 2:01:39: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) on 16/9/19 in Berlin
- 2:02:57: Dennis Kimetto (KEN) on 28/09/2014 in Berlin
- 2:03:23: Wilson Kipsang (KEN) on 29/09/2013 in Berlin
- 2:03:38: Patrick Makau (KEN) on 25/09/2011 in Berlin
- 2:03:59: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 28/09/2008 in Berlin
- 2:04:26: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 30/09/2007 in Berlin
- 2:04:55: Paul Tergat (KEN) on 28/09/2003 in Berlin
- 2:05:38: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 14/04/2002 in London
- 2:05:42: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 24/10/1999 in Chicago
- 2:06:05: Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) 20/09/1998 in Berlin
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Results
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STAGE%201%20RESULTS
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Results
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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
More coverage from the Future Forum
The five pillars of Islam
The specs: 2019 Audi A7 Sportback
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 335hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy 5.9L / 100km
info-box
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Happy Tenant
Started: January 2019
Co-founders: Joe Moufarrej and Umar Rana
Based: Dubai
Sector: Technology, real-estate
Initial investment: Dh2.5 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 4,000
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOutsized%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2016%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAzeem%20Zainulbhai%2C%20Niclas%20Thelander%2C%20Anurag%20Bhalla%20and%20Johann%20van%20Niekerk%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EIndia%2C%20South%20Africa%2C%20South-East%20Asia%2C%20Mena%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Recruitment%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20staff%20count%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2040%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeed%20and%20angel%20investors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
LUKA CHUPPI
Director: Laxman Utekar
Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Cinema
Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon, Pankaj Tripathi, Vinay Pathak, Aparshakti Khurana
Rating: 3/5
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
