COP26 and beyond: long-term climate strategies are key to safeguard health and equity

Greenhouse gas emission reductions are a lifeline for humanity. In the lead up to the COP26 UN Climate Conference, governments worldwide were expected to submit strengthened emission reduction targets for the year 2030 (in the form of nationally determined contributions; NDCs), as well as mid-century, long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies (long-term strategies; LTSs). However, as of one week before the conference, countries responsible for just 55% and 32% of global greenhouse gas emissions had submitted NDCs and LTSs, respectively.