COP26 Live Updates: Over 100 countries pledge to end deforestation by 2030

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WATCH: Greta Thunberg targeted by Conservatives online

Following a speech calling on world leaders to act and commit to serious pledges, she was heckled online by the likes of Ben Shapiro, who dismissed her and encourage followers to look at what is going on inside the conference centre at COP26.

Graph reveals staggering emissions caused by deforestation

A Newsweek/Statista graph shows how China's carbon emissions from deforestation between 2001 and 2019 are almost the same as the U.S., European Union, and India's combined.

Over 100 nations this morning signed up to a pledge to end the practice by 2030 - but it is expected large-scale deforestation will continue beyond the target.

Putin confirms Russia's support for tackling deforestation

In a video speech to COP26, the Russian President said he was "convinced that the conservation of forests and other natural ecosystems is a key component of international efforts to address global warming" but stopped short of announcing any new targets.

Instead, the leader set out Russia's current path to reduce carbon, signalling little willingness to enter any joint commitments with other nations.

By aiming to build a carbon-neutral economy by no later than 2060, Russia is relying, among other things, on the unique resource of forest ecosystems available to us, and their significant capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. After all, our country accounts for around 20 per cent of the world's forestland.

We take the strongest and most vigorous measures to conserve it. We improve forest management, and fight illegal logging and forest fires. We are expanding reforestation areas. We have been consistently increasing funding for these purposes.

Coalition for clean energy between 80+ nations announced

A new high-level coalition for clean between major governments, international organizations, legislators, business leaders, researchers, and citizen groups has been launched at COP26 as a way to boost investment in solar and wind energy.

Announced by summit host British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it includes a group of governments called the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid. In the presence of President Biden, the pair presented a One Sun Declaration endorsed by more than 80 countries.

A Ministerial Steering Group will "lead a process to accelerate the construction of large solar power stations and wind farms in the best locations, linked together by continental-scale grids crossing national borders," a statement from the group said. The group includes the U.S., France, India, the U.K., and will also have representatives from Africa, the Gulf, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Prince Charles and Camilla join Scottish schoolchildren for climate change class

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have been meeting schoolchildren in Glasgow who are being taught special lessons on climate change.

China's COP26 no-show an 'important reality check'

Dr Martin Thorley, from the University of Exeter, told Newsweek that Xi Jinping's refusal to join world leaders in Glasgow shows the ruling Communist Party's will to "block out civil society pressure that in other parts of the world is driving change".

Though there is genuine concern about the climate in some quarters within the Party, the threat to the CCP's supremacy by power shortages mean that continued reliance on coal will be tolerated. That Xi Jinping addressed COP26 in writing only will be a massive disappointment to organisers and campaigners alike. Until very recently, China was considered a genuine leader on climate change as the country announced ambitious targets whilst Trump thumbed his nose at U.S. commitments.

Australia helps raise climate funding for developing countries to $2 billion

Minister for Industry, Energy & Emissions Reduction in the Australian government, Angus Taylor, made the commitment after he and Prime Minister Scott Morrison listened to the experiences of climate change suffering from leaders of small and developing nations.

Insulate Britain protesters block off major road in Manchester, England

Demonstrators glued themselves to the highway near Manchester Airport this morning, prompting a furious response from drivers, one of whom shouted that they "don't give a sh*t" about the group's campaign to boost the insulation of UK housing - a source of over 25 percent of the country's CO2 emissions.

Police have diverted traffic but are yet to remove the protesters from the road as has happened at similar demonstrations near London in recent weeks.

Scotland's leader 'really concerned' about lack of radical pledges

Nicola Sturgeon said she is "not convinced" politicians are "lowering expectations" at the summit to then "surprise" people at the end with a major deal.

In an interview with CNN, the First Minister expressed her frustration with "a genuine gap between the rhetoric and delivery".

'All that water has to go somewhere': Boris Johnson highlights 'incredibly cruel' damage of rising water levels

The British Prime Minister is hosting this morning's opening talks on melting ice caps and discussions on how to slow it down - as well as mitigate the impact it has on islands under the threat of being permanently submerged.

Last year 600 billion tonnes of ice melted away in Greeland and all that water has to go somewhere. It's incredibly cruel that these vulnerable small island states are right on the frontline of the loss and damage that is caused by global warming.

Johnson expressed his frustration with the devastating impact rising water levels have on small island nations.

As they have said, as our friends have said, they have done virtually nothing to cause the problem. They didn't produce the huge volumes of CO2 that have been pumped into the atmosphere. I would encourage every country that has benefitted from pumping CO2 into the air over the last whatever it is - 250 years - to join this campaign.

Over 100 leaders - including Brazil - confirmed in historic deforestation deal

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed details of the plan - in the making for several years - in a tweet this morning.

Over 100 leaders - including Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro and representing 85 percent of the world's forests - have pledged their commitment to end deforestation by 2030.

Countries tried to secure Brazil's signature to the pledge in 2014 before the Paris summit but refused, so is being seen as a major victory for world leaders and the future of the Amazon rainforest.

Some, however, remain sceptical as the deal is made clear as an "aim" and not a legally-binding commitment.

COP26 Day Two - Good morning and welcome to Newsweek's liveblog

Major deals on methane reduction and a near-end to deforestation by 2030 have been announced today - with details announced later - as world leaders and their teams attempt to strike meaningful agreements.

Follow Newsweek's liveblog throughout Tuesday for all the latest.

Biden, Harris bolster clean energy ahead of Build Back Better vote

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about the importance of clean energy following the first day of the COP26 summit.

"The future will belong to those who act now to harness the power of a clean energy economy," Biden said.

This comes ahead of the vote on Biden's Build Back Better plan expected to come this week.

The Framework includes plans to invest in clean energy technology, revamp the country's infrastructure to create jobs and build up resilience to extreme weather events.

"From investments in clean energy and manufacturing, electric vehicles, coastal restoration, forest management, and soil conservation," Harris said in a tweet. "Our Build Back Better Framework will create good-paying jobs across America."

Queen Elizabeth shares remarks on the COP26 summit

Queen Elizabeth hopes the COP26 summit will be a "rare occasion" to "achieve true statesmanship."

"None of us underestimates the challenge ahead: but history has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope," she said in a video speech. "Working side by side, we have the ability to solve the most insurmountable problems and to triumph over the greatest of adversities."

She said the "time for words has moved to the time for action."

"None of us will live forever, but we are doing this not for ourselves but for our children and our children's children, and those who will follow in the footsteps," she said.

The Queen also shared her "great pride" for the leading role her late husband Prince Phillip took to protect the environment that "lives on" through the work of their son, Prince Charles, and grandson, Prince William.

The Queen was unable to attend the conference in person after doctors advised her to rest for two weeks.

Australian PM says science and technology are key to combating climate change

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the solutions to climate change will come from those not present at the COP26 summit.

"The challenge of combating climate change...will be met by those who frankly are largely not in this room," Morrison said.

He said that science and technology will provide solutions to the impacts of climate change, as "our scientists, our technologists, our engineers, our entrepreneurs, our industrialists and our financiers" will lead the way on the path to net-zero emissions.

"It is up to us, as leaders, to back them," he added. "Cleaner technology solutions must out-compete existing technologies if they are to be successful."

European Commission President says emission goals for 2050 'are not enough'

European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen says the COP26 summit is "our opportunity to write history."

"Europe will spare no effort to become the first climate-neutral continent," Von der Leyen said.

She said emission reduction goals for 2050 are "not enough."

"We have to give strong commitments to reduce emissions by 2030," she said. "We need real action during this decade."

Von der Leyen also aims to "make global carbon markets a reality" and "mobilize climate finance" to support vulnerable countries through adaption and mitigation.

"We have pledged an additional 5 billion dollars up to 2027 from the EU budget," she said. "And we will double our funding for biodiversity, especially in vulnerable countries."

India sets net-zero emissions target by 2070

During his speech at the COP26 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his five major "elixirs" to fight climate change in his country.

Those commitments include:

1. Increasing non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030
2. Fulfilling 50 percent of India's energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030
3. Reducing India's total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030
4. Reducing carbon intensity for India's economy by 45 percent by 2030
5. Reaching net-zero emissions by 2070

India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, according to the BBC.

Jeff Bezos pledges $1 billion to fight desertification in Africa

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is taking part in climate action discussions with world leaders at the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

Bezos joined Prince Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from the E.U. and Africa for a U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) event with Great Green Wall, an initiative to combat climate change and desertification in Africa.

According to UNCCD Under-Secretary-General Ibrahim Thiaw, Bezos pledged $1 billion to landscape restoration in Africa.

Canada pledges to cap gas and oil emission to reach net-zero by 2050, Trudeau says

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country will impose a hard cap on oil and gas emissions in order to reach the net-zero emissions goal by 2050.

"That's no small task for a major oil and gas producing country," he said. "It's a big step that's absolutely necessary."

Canada will completely phase on conventional coal-fired electricity by 2030 and provide $1 billion to help developing countries move away from coal, Trudeau said in a tweet.

Trudeau encouraged other resource-rich countries to follow his example to curb emissions.

Macron calls on largest polluters to contribute their fair share to fight climate change

French President Emmanuel Macron called for more equity and solidarity among nations in the fight against climate change.

Macron said climate change is "injustice squared," noting that the poorest countries in Africa and the Caribbean are the "first victims" of climate change. He added that these countries "experiencing the brunt of the climate crisis" did not contribute to the climate crisis.

He called on the biggest polluters to contribute their fair share to fight climate change. Macron said those largest emitters of greenhouse gasses without national strategies that align with the 1.5 degrees global temperature target should increase their climate action ambitions within the next 14 days.

He added that richer countries in the European Union and The U.K. should lead by example to fight climate change.

Biden says U.S is 'back at the table' in the global fight against climate change

President Biden said his administration wants to prove the U.S is about "actions, not words" in the fight against climate change.

"We will demonstrate to the world that the United States is not only back at the table, but hopefully leading by the power of our example," he said.

Biden outlined the long-term strategies the U.S. will take to reach net-zero emission at home and abroad by 2050 through investments in clean energy and adaptation plans.

Prior to his speech, Biden announced he will launch the President's Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE) to provide $3 billion to reduce climate impacts on the most vulnerable to climate change around the world.

The U.S will support efforts to deepen global understanding of climate risk, work with vulnerable nations to plan and finance broad adaptation measures to combat the effects of climate change.

"This pandemic has made so painfully clear that no nation can wall itself off from borderless threats," Biden said. "We know that none of us can escape the worst that's yet to come if we fail to seize this moment."

Biden calls for shift to clean energy during a 'decisive decade'

U.S. President Joe Biden said we are in a "decisive decade" of "ambition and innovation" to fight climate change during his speech at the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

"We meet with the eyes of history upon us and profound questions before us," Biden said. "Will we act? Will we do what is necessary? Will we seize the enormous opportunity before us or will we condemn future generations to suffer? This is the decade that will determine the answer."

He said climate change "it's not a hypothetical," as it is currently destroying lives, causing extreme natural weather events and costing nations billions of dollars.

Biden said we are "at an inflection point in world history," where we must turn toward clean energy initiatives that will create jobs and bolster "economic resilience," as outlined in his Build Back Better Framework.

"Every day we delay, the cost of inaction increases," Biden said. "Let [the COP26 summit] be the start of a decade of transformative action."

Disruptive demonstrations 'expected across multiple locations' in Glasgow ahead

Dr. Liana Semchuk, lead Europe and Eurasia analyst at Sibylline, told Newsweek that "a number of high-profile activist events" - including from Extinction Rebellion (XR) will take place today following the opening ceremony of COP26.

Demonstrations are expected across multiple locations in Glasgow, we anticipate that Millennium Bridge along the River Clyde will be a particular target of XR and other groups given its location near the SEC Centre. Amongst the other key events to watch today will be the arrival of XR's Red Rebellion Brigade at Glasgow Central station, which will likely grab the headlines for the group's red costumes and stunts.

Semchuk looked to Edinburgh for a major 10,000+ person protest for both climate justice and Scottish independence.

With over 10,000 participants expected, the rally will likely cause significant knock-on disruption and highlights the linkage between climate and pro-independence activism that is likely to be a recurring theme throughout the Glasgow summit. Finally, also in Edinburgh, protests are planned outside the Intercontinental Hotel from 5.30pm (1.30pm ET), protesting against the visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and others. It is set to be only the first of many protests targeting world leaders throughout the summit.

'A powerful moment': Scotland's leader gets selfie with Sir David Attenborough

Nicola Sturgeon called Sir David's speech at the opening ceremony of COP26 "a powerful moment" and backed his calls for urgent action on climate change.

David Attenborough calls on leaders to reverse the impacts of climate change

David Attenborough delivered a powerful speech at the COP26 summit, urging leaders to be motivated "not be fear, but hope" to reverse the effects of climate change.

"The people most affected by climate change are no longer some imagined future generation, but young people alive today, perhaps that will give us the impetus we need to rewrite our story, to turn this tragedy into a triumph," he said.

Attenborough said that we are capable of tackling this issue because we are "the greatest problem solvers to have ever existed on Earth."

"We now understand this problem, we know how to stop the number rising and put them in reverse," he said. "If working apart we are a force powerful enough to destabilize our planet, surely working together we are powerful enough to save it."

Barbados Prime Minister advocates for those on the 'front lines' of climate change

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amore Mottley called on world leaders to "try harder" to combat the immediate impacts of climate change affecting countries around the world.

"When will leaders lead?" she asked during her speech at the COP26 summit, telling G7 and G20 leaders that this is a "code red" situation.

Mottley advocated for people "living on the front line" of the present "catastrophic" effects of climate change in the Caribbean, Africa, Latin American and the Pacific.

"Our people are watching and our people are taking note," she said. "Are we so blinded we can no longer appreciate the cries of humanity?"

She added that keeping the average global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is "what we need to survive" and reaching 2 degrees "is a death sentence."

"We don't want a death sentence," she said. "Try harder The planet needs our action now."

Kenya COP26 representative's heartfelt plea to world leaders

The rep told the conference that her country is already suffering the impact of climate change.

Right now, as we sit comfortably in this conference hall, over two million of my fellow Kenyans are facing climate-related starvation. In this past year, both of our rainy seasons have failed and it may be another 12 months before the water returns again. Our harvests are failing, our stores are empty, our animals and people are dying.

She warned leaders "the decisions you make here will help determine whether children will have food and water" and said they cannot "live on words and empty promises".

WATCH: Girl holds 'Save Our Planet' sign in window

The young girl pushed the sign up against the window of a building next to where thousands of COP26 delegates were queuing.

Prince Charles calls for 'vast military-style campaign' to beat climate change

The Prince of Wales, speaking to COP26, emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector.

We know this will take trillions, not billions, of dollars. We also know that countries may of whom are burdened by growing level of debt simply cannot afford to go green. Here we need a vast military-style campaign to marshal the strength of the global private sector with trillions at our disposal, far beyond global GDP, and - with the greatest respect - beyond even the governments of the world's leaders.

UN General Secretary: 'Our addiction to fossil fuels is pushing humanity to the brink'

Antonio Gueterres said the world faces "a stark choice" and accused countries of "treating nature like a toilet".

Either we stop it or it stops us. It's time to say enough of brutalising biodiversity is killing ourselves with carbon, we are treating nature like a toilet.

Amazon tribeswoman tells COP26 'indigenous peoples are on the frontline of the community'

A representative of an Amazon rainforest tribe said leaders are "closing your eyes to reality" and called on them to listen to those most connected to nature.

My father taught me that we must listen to the stars, the moon, the wind, the animals, and the trees. Today the climate is warming, the animals are disappearing, the rivers are dying, and our plants don't flower like they used to before. The earth is speaking - she tells us we have no more time.

'If we fail, they will not forgive us': British PM warns world leaders

In a nod to future generations, Boris Johnson said they would be "right" to hold contempt for world leaders if they fail to reach a deal.

We mustn't fluff our lines or miss our cue, because if we fail, they will not forgive us. They will know that Glasgow was the historic turning point when history failed to turn. They will judge us with bitterness and with a resentment that eclipses any of the climate activists of today, and they will be right.

'We need to act now': Boris Johnson urges world leaders not to 'run down the doomsday clock'

The longer we fail to act, the worse it gets, and the higher the price when we are eventually forced by catastrophe to act, because humanity has long since run down the clock on climate change. It's one minute to midnight on that doomsday clock and we need to act now. If we don't get serious about climate change today, it will be too late for our children to do so tomorrow.

Opening ceremony begins

World leaders have taken their seats and are currently enjoying a performance of the bagpipes - a traditional Scottish musical instrument.

A video from Professor Brian Cox will be next - an excerpt from his new programme about the Universe.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson - as leader of the host country - will make a speech shortly.

Joe Biden arrives in Scotland for summit

The president touched down in Edinburgh a short time ago and will shortly join other world leaders in Glasgow for COP26.

He is expected to make a speech later outlining the "bold steps his Administration is taking in his whole-of-government approach to combat climate change," according to the White House.

'Cold water only' at COP26

A measure taken by the climate summit organizers "in efforts to be sustainable" has taken some people by surprise - they have "turned off the hot water".

WATCH: Architect who build first ever 'Waste House' highlights how to make waste 'look good'

Dr Duncan Baker-Brown, an expert on how homes can be made out of waste materials, constructed Europe's first building made almost entirely from material that has been thrown away several years ago.

The carbon-negative building is being used as a live research project on sustainable materials. Baker-Brown is part of the University Alliance's Powering Action on Climate Change campaign - a research group formed of leading universities to attempt practical solutions to climate issues.

'Climate change is no joke': Cartoon exhibition at COP26

UK Diplomat Karel van Oosterom has highlighted the "interesting" display of drawings at the climate summit.

The exhibition features cartoons ranging from satirical jabs at world leaders to the devastating impact of climate change on some of the world's poorest communities.

WATCH: California Congresswoman uses M&M's to take Shell President to task

Shell Oil executive Gretchen Watkins was testifying before the House Oversight Committee last week when Representative Katie Porter quizzed her about the company's spending on renewable energy sources.

Countries need to be 'held accountable' for violating COP26 agreements -

On the importance of the climate conference, International Political Economy expert Professor Shirin Rai, has told Newsweek that it is a "unique opportunity for addressing a historically unprecedented and existential challenge" to the planet.

Rai, also a Fellow of the British Academy and Director of the Warwick Interdisciplinary Research Centre for International Development (WICID), warned that any agreements should also focus on "justice for the most vulnerable".

This is also a time when we pay attention to environmental inequalities and ensure that climate justice for the most vulnerable is hard-wired into any decisions taken - participation of and inclusive consultations with vulnerable communities and groups - indigenous people, women - in policy formation and implementation, rejection of all exemptions of 'development-led' arguments for supporting a fossil fuel economy, and holding trading states accountable for violating agreements reached in Glasgow. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity of saving our planet and our future generations - to act urgently and thoughtfully is the only option of survival for our planetary system.

Turkish President cancels COP26 visit amid security dispute

Tayyip Erdogan believes the UK failed to meet demands on security arrangements, two Turkish officials told Reuters earlier.

He returned to Turkey from the G20 in Rome instead of flying to Glasgow to the climate summit in Glasgow, the state-owned Anadolu agency said. Erdogan is yet to publicly confirm the reason for his unscheduled return.

Turkey pumped almost 370 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere in 2020, placing it firmly in the top 20 emitters.

'Utter chaos': Long COP26 queues spark outrage

Security checks have led to hundreds of delegates and media waiting outside - some of them quite impatiently.

What does the COP26 host country think about climate change?

The UK has been tasked with organizing the conference - but what do Brits actually think about climate change?

A new survey from Mastercard has found that more than half of the country (52 percent) believe corporations should be greener and 85 percent said they "are willing to take personal action" to help tackle the climate emergency.

Mastercard's Senior VP for Business Development, Scott Abrahams, called for "consumers and brands to join forces" to tackle the crisis.

Our recent research shows over three-quarters of Brits want to take personal action to combat environmental and sustainable issues. However, consumers also want brands and companies to take action. We've found over half the nation believe companies should behave in more sustainable and eco-friendly ways. Across the board, minimising plastic in packaging and products, reducing waste and lowering carbon footprints are the top three actions British consumers want companies and brands to make. To ensure sufficient action and change is made to tackle climate change, it's time for consumers and brands to join forces and work together for a greener future.

Travel chaos leaves some COP26 attendees out in the cold

Widespread train cancellations over the weekend due to - ironically - extreme weather have left many delegates scrambling to find a route from London to Glasgow.

Tickets from the city this morning are fully sold out, with the earliest available train at 12.30pm from London Euston - with delays - starting at £138.50. Some have resorted to taking a domestic flight instead, which will emit around six times more CO2 than rail travel.

No sooner had the damage to overhead power lines been fixed this morning than a major signalling malfunction on the same route take place, meaning more delays for some rather fed up passengers.

Extinction Rebellion 'lone rebels' target Australian national symbols

While the country's officials are away in Glasgow to attempt a deal to tackle the climate emergency, some XR protesters have targeted iconic Aussie buildings, including the Sydney Opera House.

The group says the COP process to agree climate change action "has failed" so far.

Planet 'on track' for 2.7C global temperature rise - UN

The United Nations - which has convened COP26 - is warning that the planet is currently on course to be significantly over its 1.5C target.

Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, Patricia Espinosa, said countries "need to address" this before the warnings of what 2.7C could mean become reality.

The devastating loss of lives and livelihoods this year due to extreme weather events clarifies how important it is to convene COP26 despite the impacts of the pandemic still being felt. We are on track for a global temperature rise of 2.7C, while we should be heading for the 1.5C goal. Clearly, we are in a climate emergency. Clearly, we need to address it. Clearly, we need to support the most vulnerable to cope. To do so successfully, greater ambition is now critical.

Boris Johnson sets out 'coal, cars, cash and trees' agenda

The British Prime Minister is warning leaders of a "one minute to midnight" scenario in the fight against climate change and said he will be demanding countries use COP26 to "take action" and make commitments.

Good morning and welcome to Newsweek's liveblog

World leaders have begun negotiations at the critical two-week COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.

Follow Newsweek's liveblog throughout Monday for all the latest updates.