India's emissions pledge may put Cop26 back 'on track'

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View online November 02, 2021   1 / Cop26: India's pledge to slash 1 billion tonnes of emissions lifts gloom, climate experts say India's pledge to slash carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes has lifted some of the gloom over Cop26, experts say, after it opened to stark warnings of the terrible price of climate failure.   The world's third-biggest carbon emitter disappointed Downing Street by naming 2070 as its target date to reach net zero – 20 years later than the summit's aim – but won praise for its first climate plan nevertheless.   After China's refusal to budge on its CO2-cutting plans, India's announcement offered hope of keeping the Glasgow summit "on track", The Independent was told.   2 / Cop26: Leaders promise to halt deforestation by 2030, but campaigners say action needed now More than 100 leaders representing 85 per cent of planet's forests make pledge   3 / Macron postpones sanctions for more talks as fishing row deadline passes without breakthrough Ireland has backed France in the dispute   4 / 'Smart' motorway rollout must be stopped until safety assured, MPs warn government 'Many motorists feel unsafe', says scathing report by transport committee   5 / Alec Baldwin shooting: Halyna Hutchins cried out 'that was no good' seconds after fatal shot Hutchins died after Baldwin discharged a firearm while practising a gun-drawing technique on set The Big Question     What role will Greta Thunberg play at Cop26? The Swedish teenager, who sensationally became the face of the global climate movement through her series of Fridays for Future school strikes, arrived in Glasgow on Saturday evening ahead of Cop26 - but says she has not "officially" been invited to the summit.   Prior to her arrival in Scotland by train from London Euston, Ms Thunberg, 18, told the BBC's Andrew Marr that whether she was welcome at the gathering of world leaders remained "very unclear", adding: "I think that many people might be scared that if they invite too many radical young people, then that might make them look bad."   So what role will the activist icon play in Glasgow and how optimistic is she that the much-hyped event will result in meaningful change? Read the full story >   Watch / Cop26: Swearing Greta Thunberg cheered by protesters in Glasgow park NUMBER OF THE DAY 85% Leaders representing countries that are home to 85 per cent of the planet's forests – including Brazil – will commit to "halt and reverse" deforestation by the end of the decade at an event convened by Boris Johnson at the Cop26 UN climate summit today, the UK government has said QUOTE OF THE DAY "It is a source of great pride to me that the leading role my husband played in encouraging people to protect our fragile planet, lives on through the work of our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William. I could not be more proud of them."   –The Queen during a video she prerecorded for world leaders at Cop26 UN climate summit  Other stories you might like The Independent launches petition calling on world leaders to act immediately on climate crisis Archbishop of Canterbury apologises for saying Cop26 leaders would be 'cursed' Cop26: Israeli minister says she could not access summit in wheelchair If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters.     Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, please unsubscribe.   If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.