In this article, we define what Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions are and their significance in managing a company's carbon footprint.

What are Scopes 1, 2 and 3 Emissions?

You might not have read the Paris Agreement cover to cover, but there's a good chance you've heard about one of its primary goals: keeping the rise in global temperatures below 1.5°C. This figure hasn't been plucked from thin air - it's a crucial benchmark to keep the more extreme effects of climate change at bay.

So, what's the best way to achieve this? Well, the key is reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). And a big part of that comes down to keeping an eye on something called Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. 

These categories aren't just industry jargon, they're key to identifying the sources of emissions and figuring out effective ways to reduce them and prevent global warming. In this article, we'll unravel these terms and explain why they're essential in our collective effort to combat climate change.

👉 In this article, we clarify what Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions are and their significance in managing a company's carbon footprint.

Why do we need to understand Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?

Why is it important to work out Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions? Let's start with a quick refresher: the greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps keep the Earth's temperature at a level suitable for human life. But here's the catch – the excessive GHG resulting from human activities is supercharging this effect, leading to a rise in the average global temperature. And the fallout? It's putting the Earth's ecosystems in a tight spot, threatening the delicate balance that supports life as we know it.

To effectively reduce your carbon emissions, whether as an individual or a company, the first step is understanding how much carbon you're actually emitting. This is where the concept of GHG emissions Scopes comes into play. They provide a structured way to categorize and measure these emissions, laying the foundation for targeted strategies to cut down on carbon output.

💡 To learn more about the Earth's carbon cycle and why it's out of balance head over to our article on the topic. 

Climate experts are warning that the Earth is heading toward a “climate danger zone,” and many scientists say greenhouse gas emissions are to blame. Here’s what greenhouse gases are and how they contribute to climate change.

What are greenhouse gases and how do they contribute to climate change?

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol)

To understand Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions we need to look to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This initiative is a comprehensive multi-stakeholder partnership, encompassing businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental bodies, and other entities, all brought together by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in 1998.

Their mission? To develop and establish international standards for accounting and reporting GHG emissions for businesses and to encourage widespread adoption.

Over the years, the GHG Protocol has expanded to include several standards, each designed to address different aspects of greenhouse gas measurement and management. Below is a brief overview of the key standards:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Standard</th>
      <th>Purpose</th>
      <th>Best For</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard</td>
      <td>Provides requirements and guidance for companies and other organizations to prepare a corporate-level GHG emissions inventory.</td>
      <td>Companies and Organizations</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard</td>
      <td>Allows companies to assess their entire value chain emissions impact and identify where to focus reduction activities.</td>
      <td>Companies and Organizations</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard</td>
      <td>Helps understand the full life cycle emissions of a product and focus efforts on the greatest GHG reduction opportunities.</td>
      <td>Companies and Organizations</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Policy and Action Standard</td>
      <td>Offers a standardized approach for estimating the greenhouse gas effect of policies and actions.</td>
      <td>Countries and Cities</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Mitigation Goal Standard</td>
      <td>Provides guidance for designing national and subnational mitigation goals and a standardized approach for assessing and reporting progress toward goal achievement.</td>
      <td>Countries and Cities</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>GHG Protocol for Cities (Global Protocol for Community-Scale GHG Emission Inventories)</td>
      <td>Provides a robust framework for accounting and reporting city-wide greenhouse gas emissions.</td>
      <td>Cities and Communities</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>GHG Protocol for Project Accounting</td>
      <td>The most comprehensive, policy-neutral accounting tool for quantifying the greenhouse gas benefits of climate change mitigation projects.</td>
      <td>Companies and Organizations; Countries and Cities</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


To learn more about the GHG protocol head over to our blog. 

The term 'Scope emissions' first made its appearance in the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standards (the gold standard for corporate carbon accounting). These standards are a go-to resource for companies aiming to measure and report their GHG emissions accurately. They play a crucial role in breaking down a company's emissions into distinct categories, which are more commonly known as 'scopes.' More specifically, Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions - each category represents a different source of emissions.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Scope</th>
      <th>Description</th>
      <th>Examples</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Scope 1</td>
      <td>Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company.</td>
      <td>
        - Fuel combustion from company-owned vehicles<br>
        - Emissions from on-site boilers, furnaces, and generators<br>
        - Process emissions from chemical production in owned facilities<br>
        - Fugitive emissions from refrigeration or air conditioning leaks
      </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Scope 2</td>
      <td>Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heat, or cooling.</td>
      <td>
        - Electricity used in offices and manufacturing plants<br>
        - Purchased heating or cooling for office buildings<br>
        - Steam used in industrial production processes<br>
        - District energy systems
      </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Scope 3</td>
      <td>All other indirect emissions in the value chain, not included in Scope 2.</td>
      <td>
        - Purchased goods and services (e.g., raw materials, office supplies)<br>
        - Business travel (e.g., flights, hotel stays)<br>
        - Employee commuting (e.g., car, bus, or train)<br>
        - Waste disposal (e.g., landfill, incineration)<br>
        - Use of sold products (e.g., fuel in cars sold by an auto manufacturer)<br>
        - Transportation and distribution (e.g., third-party logistics)<br>
        - End-of-life treatment of sold products (e.g., recycling, disposal)
      </td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


By understanding and categorizing emissions in this way, companies can develop more targeted strategies to reduce their overall carbon footprint.

Let's explore the different scopes in more detail.

What are scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions?
New climate-related reporting rules from the SEC would require publicly traded companies to account for their Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, and some companies will be required to report Scope 3 emissions. But what does that mean?  Watch our quick video - the first in Climate Now's video mini-explainer series - to find out!

Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions explained | Climate Now Mini Video 01

Scope 1 emissions are directly released into the atmosphere as a result of a company's activities. These direct emissions originate from resources that are owned or controlled by the company. To ensure comprehensive tracking and management, Scope 1 emissions are categorized into four distinct groups:

Stationary combustion - This category includes all fuels that produce greenhouse gas emissions during combustion (natural gas, oil, coal, etc). It encompasses a wide range of stationary sources such as boilers, furnaces, and other combustion equipment.

Mobile combustion - This encompasses all vehicles owned or controlled by the firm that burn fuel, including cars, vans, trucks, etc. It's important to note that emissions from electric vehicles are classified under Scope 2.

Fugitive emissions - These emissions are associated with the unintentional release of greenhouse gases. Common examples include emissions from refrigeration and air conditioning units, as well as leaks from industrial gases.

Process emissions - These are emissions released during industrial processes or general production activities. This category includes emissions from manufacturing processes, such as factory fumes, and the release of chemicals like nitrous oxide.

Unlike Scope 1 which covers direct emissions, Scope 2 emissions refer to indirect GHG emissions that arise from the consumption of purchased electricity, steam, heat, and cooling in buildings and production processes. These emissions are classified separately because they originate from sources not directly controlled by the company.

The majority of Scope 2 emissions typically stem from electricity consumed by the company. This category encompasses the indirect emissions produced during the generation of the electricity purchased, which is then transmitted and distributed to the company. 

Scope 3 emissions represent a significant part of GHG accounting. However, because it involves quantifying carbon emissions associated with a company's supply chain it is often seen as the most challenging to quantify. Unlike Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Scope 3 emissions are not directly linked to the company's own operations, but rather to the entire value chain, incorporating both upstream and downstream emissions. These significant carbon emissions are associated with the company's operations, yet they occur outside of its direct control.

Scope 3 emissions encompass a wide range of indirect emissions, examples include:

Purchased goods and services - This includes emissions related to the production of goods and services before their purchase by the company.

Business travel and employee commuting - This covers emissions from air travel, railway travel, taxis, and the commuting practices of employees.

Waste disposal - Emissions arising from landfill operations, wastewater treatment, and other waste management activities.

Use of sold products - Emissions that result from the end use of the company's products and services by consumers.

Transportation and distribution - This involves emissions from transporting and distributing goods via land, sea, and air, including those related to third-party warehousing.

Investments - Emissions linked to equity investments, debt investments, capital goods, project finance, managed investments, and client services.

Leased assets and franchises - Emissions from assets leased by the company and operations of franchises.

Scope 3 emissions provide a comprehensive view of a company's environmental impact, extending beyond its immediate operations to the broader impacts associated with its value chain emissions.

💡 Scope 3 emissions typically constitute the majority of a company's greenhouse gas output. According to the World Economic Forum, value chain emissions can account for as much as 70% of a business's total emissions footprint.

As businesses and public organisations strive to take impactful climate action, it's essential to pay attention to Scope 3 emissions. These indirect emissions from your upstream and downstream activities like purchasing goods and services or the use phase of products can make up 70-90% of your carbon footprint.

Scope 3 emissions: what are they and why do they matter?

Why is it important to measure Scope 3 emissions?

Unless a company has significant real estate holdings and energy consumption the majority of a company's total greenhouse gas emissions, around 70%, typically comes from Scope 3 sources. This statistic underscores the extent to which a company's environmental impact extends beyond its direct activities, into its wider value chain. Addressing these emissions is crucial not only for reducing a company's carbon footprint but also for identifying cost efficiencies and reinforcing sustainable practices.

Additionally, it's revealing to note that 71% of global emissions can be traced back to just 100 companies. This fact emphasizes the enormous responsibility and influence businesses have in tackling global warming. Nowadays, the role of businesses extends beyond mere product and service delivery; they are expected to be at the forefront of environmental responsibility. The growing demand from customers, employees, and investors is for companies to actively incorporate sustainability and environmental considerations into their operations.

Companies that embrace sustainable practices also position themselves for new growth and investment opportunities. Those who ignore this shift risk falling behind, as regulatory environments tighten and consumer expectations lean heavily towards environmental stewardship.

Measuring all emissions, particularly Scope 3, is therefore not just a regulatory formality, it's a strategic necessity, allowing companies to:

Pinpoint key GHG emission sources within their value chain

Assess the environmental practices of their partners and suppliers

Uncover operational inefficiencies and financial risks

Identify potential for cost savings and operational improvements

Strategize effective ways to lower their carbon emissions

Cultivate a culture of sustainability among all stakeholders

Stay prepared for evolving environmental regulations and responsibilities

Last, but not least, we have Scope 3!

Accounting for your company’s GHG emissions doesn’t just stop at your energy consumption and direct emission. Scope 3 is the focus area of GHG impact that follows a company’s value chain, allowing for decisions to be made all throughout every component of what makes your business what it is.

What is Scope 3? | Greenly  #climatechange #scope3

When we talk about measuring carbon footprints in terms of carbon and carbon dioxide equivalents, we are referring to the quantification of different greenhouse gases (GHGs) in terms of their impact on global warming. This measurement is crucial because different gases have varying levels of effect on the Earth's atmosphere.

The most common unit of measurement is the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which standardizes various GHGs based on their Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most prevalent GHG emitted through human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. It serves as the baseline for the CO2e metric, with a GWP of 1.

Other greenhouse gases like methane(CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases (HFCs, PFCs, SF6, and NF3) are also significant contributors to global warming. Each of these gases differs in GWP and atmospheric lifespan:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Gas</th>
      <th>Global Warming Potential (GWP)</th>
      <th>Atmospheric Lifespan</th>
      <th>Common Sources</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Carbon Dioxide (CO2)</td>
      <td>1</td>
      <td>300–1,000 years</td>
      <td>Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, cement production</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Methane (CH4)</td>
      <td>~28–34 (over 100 years)</td>
      <td>~12 years</td>
      <td>Agriculture (livestock digestion), landfills, natural gas extraction</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Nitrous Oxide (N2O)</td>
      <td>~265–298</td>
      <td>~114 years</td>
      <td>Fertilizers, industrial processes, combustion of fossil fuels</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)</td>
      <td>12–14,800</td>
      <td>15–29 years</td>
      <td>Refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol propellants</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)</td>
      <td>~6,500–12,200</td>
      <td>Thousands of years</td>
      <td>Aluminum production, semiconductor manufacturing</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)</td>
      <td>~23,500</td>
      <td>~3,200 years</td>
      <td>Electrical insulation, circuit breakers</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3)</td>
      <td>~17,200</td>
      <td>~500 years</td>
      <td>Semiconductor manufacturing, LCD panel production</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


How are Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions used in reporting?

Understanding and reporting Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions is not just about categorizing emissions - it’s about ensuring transparency, regulatory compliance, and aligning with climate action goals to reduce emissions. Each scope plays a unique role in reporting, helping organizations measure their impact comprehensively and communicate effectively with stakeholders. 

Purpose: These emissions give organizations a clear picture of their direct environmental footprint, offering a starting point for reductions.

Often mandatory in regulatory frameworks like the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) or national GHG reporting schemes.

Data collection typically involves on-site fuel logs, emission meters, or operational activity reports.

CO2e emissions from vehicles, on-site boilers, or industrial processes.

Annual emissions totals for internal performance tracking and regulatory compliance.

Ensuring accuracy in emissions measurements, especially for fugitive or process emissions.

Purpose: Scope 2 highlights an organization’s reliance on energy and identifies opportunities to transition to renewable sources.

Frequently included in corporate sustainability reports and frameworks like CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures).

Requires electricity, heat, and steam consumption data from utility bills or invoices.

Annual CO2e emissions from purchased electricity, adjusted for renewable energy credits or grid emission factors.

Accurately accounting for emissions from shared or outsourced facilities.

Purpose: Scope 3 reporting provides a complete view of an organization’s environmental impact, enabling them to address emissions across their value chain.

Often voluntary but increasingly expected by stakeholders under frameworks like the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) or ESG disclosures.

Data collection involves collaboration with suppliers, partners, and customers.

CO2e emissions broken down by category (e.g., transportation, purchased goods).

Lifecycle analysis (LCA) metrics for products or services.

Gathering reliable data from third parties and accounting for variability across industries.

Incorporating all three scopes into emissions reporting achieves several goals:

Regulatory compliance: Scope 1 and 2 are often required for compliance with national and international regulations.

Stakeholder engagement: Scope 3 reporting demonstrates a commitment to transparency and climate leadership, attracting customers, investors, and partners.

Identifying opportunities: Comprehensive reporting helps pinpoint inefficiencies and high-impact areas for emission reductions, leading to cost savings and innovation.

Benchmarking and goal-setting: Enables organizations to track progress toward sustainability targets, such as net-zero commitments.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Scope</th>
      <th>Reported Where?</th>
      <th>Purpose in Reporting</th>
      <th>Challenges</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Scope 1</td>
      <td>Regulatory frameworks (e.g., EU ETS), internal reporting</td>
      <td>Tracks direct impact and sets a baseline for reductions.</td>
      <td>Accurate measurement of fugitive and process emissions.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Scope 2</td>
      <td>Corporate sustainability reports, CDP, TCFD</td>
      <td>Highlights energy consumption and opportunities for renewables.</td>
      <td>Adjusting for renewable energy credits or grid factors.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Scope 3</td>
      <td>ESG disclosures, SBTi, voluntary initiatives</td>
      <td>Provides a complete picture of environmental impact.</td>
      <td>Data collection across supply chains and value chains.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


Practical steps for measuring and reporting emissions

While Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions provide a clear framework for categorizing and understanding greenhouse gas emissions, putting this knowledge into practice can be challenging. For many companies, measuring and reporting emissions requires navigating a complex web of data collection, reporting frameworks, and value chain engagement.

Steps to begin your emissions reporting journey

Identify key emission sources
Start by mapping your operational and value chain activities to their associated emissions categories.

For Scope 1: Focus on direct emissions from company-owned facilities and vehicles.

For Scope 2: Account for purchased electricity, heat, and cooling.

For Scope 3: Analyse upstream and downstream activities, such as supplier emissions and product end-of-life. 

Choose the right reporting framework
Frameworks like the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) provide guidance on reporting emissions transparently and comprehensively.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Framework</th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol)</td>
      <td>The foundation for many emissions reporting initiatives, providing comprehensive standards for measuring and managing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)</td>
      <td>A widely used framework for sustainability reporting, including disclosures on greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)</td>
      <td>Helps organizations set science-based emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>ISO 14064 Standards</td>
      <td>An international framework for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. Includes organization-level (ISO 14064-1) and project-level (ISO 14064-2) standards.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB)</td>
      <td>Provides guidance for integrating climate-related information into mainstream financial reports with an emphasis on consistency and comparability.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)</td>
      <td>Focuses on material ESG factors, including greenhouse gas emissions, tailored to specific industries with sector-specific standards.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)</td>
      <td>Offers guidelines for nations and organizations participating in climate agreements, including reporting requirements for emissions inventories.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)</td>
      <td>Developed under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), requiring detailed reporting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>The Carbon Trust Standard</td>
      <td>Certifies organizations that successfully measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint in alignment with global best practices.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>B Corp Certification</td>
      <td>Includes requirements for environmental impact reporting and targets to reduce carbon emissions as part of broader sustainability efforts.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


Leverage data collection tools
Collecting accurate and consistent data is critical. Use utility records, transportation logs, and supplier data to quantify emissions.

For Scope 3, collaborate with partners to gather lifecycle data and estimate emissions where necessary.

Why companies struggle with emissions reporting

Even with a clear framework, many companies face barriers to effective emissions reporting:

Data complexity: Tracking emissions across multiple facilities, supply chains, and third-party operations requires extensive coordination.

Accuracy vs. estimation: While direct emissions (Scope 1) can often be measured precisely, indirect emissions (Scope 3) frequently rely on estimates and averages.

Time and resource constraints: Smaller organizations may lack the capacity to manage comprehensive data collection and reporting processes.

Regulatory evolution: Keeping up with changing laws and expectations around emissions reporting can be overwhelming.

Connect your tools. Measure your emissions.

At Greenly, we understand the challenges businesses face in measuring and reporting their carbon emissions. That’s why we’ve developed tools and services designed to take the complexity out of emissions management:

Emissions Monitoring: Track Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across your operations and supply chain. Gain the visibility needed to reduce both direct and supplier emissions effectively.

Lifecycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluate the carbon footprint of your products from raw material sourcing to disposal. Identify and address the most carbon-intensive stages of your product lifecycle.

Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies: Work collaboratively with suppliers to enhance resource efficiency, lower emissions, and build a more sustainable supply chain.

Decarbonization Pathways: Create tailored, actionable plans for reducing emissions—whether through energy efficiency upgrades, transitioning to renewable energy, or other targeted solutions.

Science-Based Targets: Set ambitious yet achievable emissions reduction goals aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and take meaningful steps to achieve them.

Partner with Greenly to track your company's greenhouse gas emissions, enhance operational efficiency, and make measurable progress toward sustainability. Reach out to us today. 

In this article we’ll outline the expectations, outcomes and impacts of COP26.

COP26: Everything you need to know

As international concern over climate change and its devastating impacts heightened, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference - more commonly referred to as COP26 - emerged as a pivotal event, drawing intense global attention. Hosted in Glasgow, Scotland, from October 31 to November 12, 2021, COP26 was not just another summit but a defining moment in international climate change cooperation. It signaled a collective sense of urgency and offered renewed hope for global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the significance of COP26, calling it "the most important climate conference since Paris." This statement alone set high expectations, however, as is always the case with COP, meaningful progress is never guaranteed, and so many doubted whether COP26 would live up to expectations and deliver binding agreements crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

This article examines what was achieved at COP26, exploring its key objectives, the discussions that unfolded, and the outcomes that have since shaped global climate action. 

👉 In this article we’ll outline the expectations, outcomes, and impacts of COP26. 

COP26 stands for the 26th Conference of the Parties. It’s part of a series of global summits that play an important role in addressing climate change on a global scale. 

The term 'Parties' refers to the 197 countries that are signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international environmental treaty established in 1992. COP26, specifically, marks the 26th annual session since the convention's inception.

COP was established as part of the UNFCCC during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, a groundbreaking global environmental policy event. This convention set the framework for international cooperation to combat global warming by limiting average global temperature increases and adapting and mitigating the impacts of climate change. 

The first COP meeting (COP1) was held in Berlin in 1995, and since then, these conferences have been hosted annually in different locations worldwide. 

The climate change conference serves as a platform where world leaders, negotiators, and stakeholders come together to review the implementation of the UNFCCC and discuss new commitments to further the objectives of the treaty. Over the years, COP summits have led to significant milestones in climate change policy, including the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol at COP3 in 1997 and the landmark Paris Agreement at COP21 in 2015.

👉 To learn more about the Kyoto Protocol or the Paris Agreement, head over to our articles on these important international agreements. 

COP26, therefore, was not just another conference but a continuation of a long-standing and evolving global effort to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. It represented a crucial opportunity for nations to review past commitments, reassess current strategies, and set more ambitious targets to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

The 1997 COP3 in Kyoto, Japan: The Kyoto Protocol

COP3, held in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997, was a groundbreaking event in international climate diplomacy. It led to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, which came into effect in 2005. This protocol was the first legally binding climate treaty, setting targets for 38 industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. These countries committed to an average reduction of 5.2% below 1990 levels, to be achieved between 2008 and 2012. The Kyoto Protocol was a significant step forward, demonstrating global recognition of and commitment to mitigating climate change by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2015 COP21 in Paris, France: The Paris Agreement

COP21, hosted by France in 2015, marked another crucial moment in the history of climate change negotiations. This conference culminated in the adoption of the Paris Agreement, a comprehensive framework guiding global efforts to limit global warming. The Agreement set an ambitious target of keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5°C. 

The 2018 COP24 in Katowice, Poland: The Katowice Climate Package

COP24, held in Katowice, Poland, in 2018, helped to get the climate mechanisms agreed in the Paris Agreement up and running. This COP saw the adoption of the Katowice Climate Package, a detailed set of guidelines for implementing the commitments made under the Paris Agreement. These rules, procedures, and directions provided a clear roadmap for nations to report their emissions and efforts transparently, track their progress, and update their commitments regularly. The Katowice Climate Package was crucial for ensuring accountability and effectiveness in the global fight against climate change.‍

It's the world's biggest and most controversial climate conference. But what is a COP and how do they work? Jordan Dunbar investigates.

Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/3VyyriM

To help get some simple answers to simple questions, Jordan is joined by climate experts:
Dr Mosunda Mumba, Secretary General of the Wetlands Convention
Professor David Victor of Innovation and Public Policy University of California, San Diego, USA
Adil Najim, Professor of International Relations and Environment at Boston University's Pardee school in the United States.

Check out our other simple climate explainers:
What is climate change?   

 • What is climate change? - The Climate...  
Why is 1.5 degrees important?   

 • Why is 1.5 degrees important? - The C...  

0:00 Introduction
0:34 What is COP?
0:45 The world's first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro 1992
2:00 How the IPCC was created
3:00 The start of COP
3:45 Who organises COPs
4:10 How countries make pledges at COP
5:40 What's it like at a COP?
6:25 Who will be at COP28 in Dubai?
11:50 How to measure progress
12:28 Why should we care about what happens at COP?

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What is COP? - The Climate Question, BBC World Service

The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26), held from October 31 to November 12, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland, represented a critical moment in climate action, arriving six years after the landmark Paris Agreement. This timing was significant as it coincided with the first scheduled global stocktake of progress since the Agreement (a key moment for nations to ramp up their climate commitments). 

Delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN climate change conference also came at a time when the world was reassessing its approach to major challenges such as climate change, adding to the heightened expectations for substantial action from global stakeholders.

COP26 had a clear and ambitious agenda: to secure global net-zero emissions by mid-century and keep the 1.5°C temperature rise within reach. The conference aimed to accelerate action on the Paris Agreement's goals, focusing on four key areas.

Secure global net zero by mid-century - Encouraging countries to present ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets that align with net zero emissions by the middle of the century. This followed a report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2018 which highlighted the catastrophic impact of global heating beyond this level. It was understood that NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) didn’t go far enough and that far larger emissions reductions were going to be needed to reach net zero emissions and achieve climate targets. 


Mobilise climate finance - To deliver on these ambitious goals, developed countries were expected to make good on their promise (made in 2009) to mobilize at least $100 billion in climate finance per year by 2020. By 2019 this annual flow had only reached $80 billion, falling far short of the promised annual amount of funding. This was of particular concern to developing and climate-vulnerable countries; they highlighted the disparity between nations that had contributed the most emissions and those that were feeling the brunt of climate effects.  


Finalising the rules for implementing the Paris Agreement - A key agenda item at COP26 was to finalize the rules for implementing the Paris Agreement, with a special focus on Article 6. This article is important as it provides a framework for countries to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through international cooperation. The aim was to create a standardized system for carbon credit trading, allowing countries to sell their achievements in reducing emissions to others that are falling behind their targets. Establishing clear rules was crucial to ensure transparency and avoid double counting of emissions reductions.


Strengthening the agenda for action - COP26 also focused on encouraging states to work with non-state actors such as cities, regions, and businesses in achieving climate goals. The emphasis was on innovative partnerships that could accelerate the implementation of climate solutions, recognizing that effective climate action requires efforts beyond governmental policies.

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) took place from October 31 - November 13 in Glasgow, United Kingdom and ended with the adoption of the Glasgow Climate Pact. 

Here's a summary of some of the conference's highlights in under 10 minutes.

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The UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate Change) is the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. UNFCCC stands for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Convention has near universal membership (197 Parties) and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Agreement. The main aim of the Paris Agreement is to keep the global average temperature rise this century as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The UNFCCC is also the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The ultimate objective of all three agreements under the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame which allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development.


#COP26 #UNClimateChange #ClimateChange

COP26 in 10 Minutes | UN Climate Change

As over 40,000 participants and 120 world leaders descended on the city of Glasgow in November 2021, expectations were high for COP26. The conference was set against a backdrop of increasing urgency for climate action, heightened by alarming scientific reports and the very real effects of climate change being felt around the globe. As the first major climate conference since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, COP26 had the added pressure of addressing how global recovery could align with environmental sustainability.

Urgent call for climate action - The conference opened with a sense of urgency. World leaders, scientists, and activists emphasized the need for immediate and substantial action to combat the escalating climate crisis and limit global temperature rise.

Youth activism and global protests - The event saw significant participation from youth activists, including Greta Thunberg, who voiced their demands for more concrete action from world leaders. Global protests aligned with the conference, further underscoring the public's concern and demand for accountability.

Intense negotiations and debates - Throughout the two weeks, COP26 was marked by intense negotiations. Delegates grappled with finding common ground on various issues, reflecting the complexity and diverse interests in global climate politics.

The crowning achievement of COP26 was arguably the Glasgow Climate Pact, an agreement aimed at accelerating the global response to climate change. The pact's primary goal was to reduce CO2 emissions significantly, with a target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This ambitious target required a concerted global effort, and the pact outlined several key points to achieve this, namely:

Urgent CO2 reductions - Countries agreed to strengthen efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, with a focus on rapid, deep cuts in the coming decade.

Accelerating phase-out of coal - A commitment to phase out unabated coal power - though this was subject to a last-minute amendment which we will discuss later.

Ending deforestation - The pact included a pledge to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

Increasing climate finance - Developed countries were urged to double their climate finance commitment to developing nations by 2025 (compared to 2019 levels) - more on this shortly.

A major discussion point at COP26 revolved around the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These are commitments made by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The updated NDCs at COP26 reflected an enhanced ambition, with countries recognizing that current measures were insufficient to meet the 1.5°C target. The revised contributions aimed for more significant emissions reductions, with many countries setting more stringent targets for 2030.

In terms of climate financing, the conference saw a renewed emphasis on developed countries delivering the promised $100 billion per year in climate finance to support developing nations. This funding is critical for assisting these countries in both mitigating and adapting to climate impacts. The shortfall in the previously promised funds was acknowledged, and developed countries were urged to fulfill their financial commitments.

In the end, the states set up an annually scheduled "dialogue" to continue until 2024 to "discuss the terms for financing the activities". At the same time, developed countries committed to doubling their funding for adaptation by 2025 (compared to 2019 levels).

One of the most contentious issues at COP26 was the reduction of fossil fuel usage, particularly coal. The original draft of the Glasgow Climate Pact called for a "phase-out" of coal power, which would have been a historic commitment. However, a significant last-minute change led by India and supported by China, meant that the language was softened to a "phase-down" of coal. This amendment highlighted the challenges faced in achieving consensus on fossil fuel reduction among countries with significant coal dependencies.

Despite this, the inclusion of specific language on fossil fuels in the final pact was unprecedented. It marked the first time a COP resolution explicitly mentioned reducing the use of coal and fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gases. Additionally, the pact addressed the need to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, signaling a global acknowledgment of the need to transition away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources.

COP26 brought together the world's nations to confront the urgent need to address climate change. The Glasgow Climate Pact, with its focus on CO2 reductions, updated NDCs, climate financing commitments, and the contentious issue of fossil fuel reduction, represented a step forward in global efforts to combat climate change, albeit with the recognition that much work still lies ahead.

The Glasgow Climate Pact : Key Takeaways 

After 15 days of negotiations at COP26, the Glasgow Climate Pact has been signed with conflicting opinions being drawn from it across the world. But, here are the 5 key issues it addressed which will set the stage for future negotiations: 

MITIGATION
COAL & FOSSIL FUELS 
METHANE PLEDGE
CLIMATE FINANCE
CARBON MARKETS
Watch this video to know more about each important issue that the pact addresses.

The Glasgow Climate Pact : Key Takeaways

Another notable achievement of COP26 was the completion of the "Paris Rulebook," the detailed operational guide for implementing the Paris Agreement. This rulebook initially presented at COP24 in 2018, reached a crucial milestone at COP26 with the agreement on its final elements. The finalized mechanisms of the Paris Rulebook included:

Article 6: Carbon Market Mechanisms - One of the most complex and anticipated articles was Article 6, establishing the rules for carbon market mechanisms. This provision allows countries to trade greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, enabling them to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) more efficiently. The rules set under Article 6 aim to avoid double counting of emissions reductions.


Article 4.10: Common Time Frames for NDCs - The rulebook also sets common deadlines for NDC implementation. Article 4.10 states that all countries must update their climate action plans every five years, ensuring a regular and consistent global effort towards emission reduction. This uniform timeframe is important for synchronizing global climate efforts and enhancing comparability and transparency among countries’ commitments.


Article 13: Enhanced Transparency Framework - Article 13 focuses on transparency and monitoring to ensure that countries adhere to their commitments. This article outlines a detailed transparency framework to provide a clear view of each country's actions towards mitigating climate change. It includes guidelines on how countries should report their emissions and efforts, promoting accountability and mutual trust among nations.

Another important topic that arose at COP26 was the critical issue of gender in the context of climate change. 

Women - particularly those from poorer nations in the Global South - are among the first and most affected victims of the climate crisis. During the "Climate and Gender Day" on November 9, 2021, Brianna Fruean, a Samoan activist, highlighted the exacerbation of existing inequalities due to global warming. The intersection of gender inequality and social exclusions – manifesting as unequal access to resources, limited participation in decision-making, and restrictions on mobility – aggravates the adverse environmental impacts on women.

The United Nations reports that women and girls constitute 80% of those displaced by disasters and climate change worldwide. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has also highlighted the specific vulnerabilities that women face when it comes to environmental changes. For example, women often risk their safety by travelling greater distances to provide for their families and are particularly susceptible during pregnancy and motherhood. Yet, despite these challenges, women are central to the preservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and sustainable development.

Incorporating gender equality in climate discussions - Incorporating gender equality in climate discussions is vital for creating effective solutions, as it acknowledges the distinct impacts and contributions of women in the climate crisis. By recognizing and addressing these gender-specific challenges and perspectives, climate policies become more inclusive and effective. 


Supporting women's initiatives - It’s important for global leaders to support women-led initiatives both nationally and internationally. Despite a growing presence, women's representation still needs to be bolstered in climate discussions. At COP26, women constituted 35% of the attendees, indicating a persistent underrepresentation.


Commitments to gender equality in climate investments - Notable commitments were made at COP26 to address gender disparities. Canada pledged that 80% of projects funded by its climate investments would integrate gender equality. Similarly, Sweden and the United States have also pledged to integrate gender equality into their climate strategies and support women's leadership in climate action.


Empowering women in decision-making - Giving women more opportunities to participate in decision-making processes is essential for comprehensive climate strategies, as it ensures diverse perspectives and experiences are considered. Women's involvement leads to more balanced and effective environmental policies, reflecting a wider range of societal needs and insights.

COP26 marked a significant step in recognizing and addressing the integral role of women in climate action. The emphasis on gender issues reflects a growing understanding that effective climate solutions require a comprehensive approach that includes tackling gender inequality.

#COP21 @UNDP
Successful action on Climate Change depends on engaging women as stakeholders and planners to ensure that both women and men have opportunities in the new green economy. 

UNDP, the GEF (Global Environment Facility) and partners, including the Green Climate Fund, help to achieve better results on climate action by putting gender equality at the forefront of the work on the ground.

Climate Change & Gender

COP26, while marking significant progress in climate action, faced criticism for not fully meeting the high expectations set for the conference. One of the key criticisms was that the final agreements, particularly the Glasgow Climate Pact, did not go far enough in ensuring the necessary action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

Insufficient action - Environmental activists and some nations argued that the commitments made were insufficient relative to the urgency and scale of the climate crisis. The last-minute watering down of the language around the phase-out of coal was seen as a symbol of these shortcomings, reflecting the difficulties in achieving a consensus on more robust climate actions among nations with diverse economic and political interests.


Implementation and monitoring - A significant challenge arising from the UN climate talks is the implementation and monitoring of the commitments made. Translating the pledges and agreements into action remains a complex task. Different countries have varying capabilities and resources to implement climate actions, and their national priorities may not always align with their climate commitments. This disparity can lead to delays and inconsistencies in implementing measures outlined in the NDCs.


Political complications - Another factor to consider is the dynamism of the political landscape. Changes in government and policy can impact the continuity of commitment to COP26 agreements. Maintaining momentum and political will over time is essential for the long-term success of the initiatives agreed upon at the conference.


Economic demands - Another barrier to effective implementation of climate action is that developing countries face the immediate challenges of economic development and poverty alleviation, which can sometimes conflict with the long-term goals of climate action. Finding a balance that allows for sustainable development while advancing climate goals is a huge challenge. 

COP26 was billed as the last best chance to save the planet. So what happened inside the conference centre and will it really solve our climate emergency? CNBC's Tom Chitty explains.

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COP26 had big ambitions - here's why it fell short

Many of the focal discussions at COP27 were influenced by the preceding COP26. Delegates and participants once again emphasised the urgency of climate goals, including limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and global climate financing was back on the table for discussion.

Key initiatives at COP27 included the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions and a significant $20 billion deal to move Indonesia away from fossil fuels. The summit also established a historic loss and damage fund (though without detailed operational plans).

At COP28 in Dubai in 2023, the focus was on refining the Loss and Damage Fund, with questions remaining about its funding and operation. Additionally, the summit revisited the unmet commitment of developed countries to provide $100 billion annually for climate action in developing nations, reflecting a growing distrust from climate-vulnerable nations. The discussions also centered on the critical need to phase out fossil fuels, a topic that gained momentum with major economies like the U.S. and China pushing for clean energy alternatives. This development was crucial, given the dominant role of fossil fuels in global emissions.

👉 To find out more about the achievements of COP27 and COP28 head over to our blog. 

COP26 was an important step forward in the global fight against climate change, setting a precedent for the subsequent COP27 and COP28 summits. As we look towards COP29, there is a renewed sense of optimism. This year's conference presents an invaluable opportunity for countries to not only reaffirm but also build upon their commitments. The groundwork laid by COP26 and the subsequent summits has paved the way for strengthened climate ambition and concrete actions. 

At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. Why not request a free demo with one of our experts - no obligation or commitment required. 

If reading this article has inspired you to consider your company’s own carbon footprint, Greenly can help. Learn more about Greenly’s carbon management platform here. 

The concept of the circular economy has appeared as the solution for more sustainable production and consumption. But what exactly is it about?

Circular Economy: Definition and Principles

The new economic model of the circular economy is designed to take into account societal and environmental issues. In recent years, overconsumption and overexploitation have increased drastically. As natural resources are dwindling, waste continues to pile up, and the earth's biocapacity is no longer able to meet our needs given our more demanding business models and global economy – our circular economy will continue to grow more important than it was before. 

To reverse this trend and thus protect our beloved planet, we need to rethink our production, consumption and waste management methods. This is where a circular economy comes into play. 

In this article, we'll discuss what a circular economy is, how it will impact our livelihoods, and how your company can also work to implement this virtuous strategy. 

What is a circular economy in simple terms?

Emerging in the 1970s, the notion of circular economy refers to the sustainable production and consumption of goods as well as services. Based on the model of nature - where nothing is lost and everything is reused - a circular economy is about maximizing the use of all the resources used in the manufacture of a product, to avoid the massive output of electricity, trash, and wastefulness. 

The key in the approach to a circular economy is to do more and better with less. In other words, instead of throwing away, it is worthwhile to repair, reuse and recycle. In this sense, a used product becomes a valuable resource when seeking to adhere to the principles of a circular economy.

Represented by a positive value loop where each step leads to the next, this economic model acts at all stages of a product's life cycle. In addition, consumers and businesses alike, are affected by the implementation of this virtuous economy. 

A circular economy advocates for sustainable production, reasoned consumption, and efficient waste management – all while fighting for the well-being of individuals. 

This approach is based on several circular economy principles: 

the preservation and optimization of natural resources;

reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources;

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