By Andrea Januta

(Reuters.) – There are 197 U.N. Signatories. The Framework Convention on Climate Change and the UNFCCC make it difficult for signatories of the United Nations to agree on how they will proceed in reducing global warming. Here’s a list of key stakeholders for the U.N. climate conference (COP26), starting in Glasgow on October 31.

CHINA

Currently the world’s top carbon emitter, China’s near-future actions will help determine whether the world can meet its climate goals. China is facing climate change as well, with extreme rains that decimated Henan province and caused flooding that claimed more than 300 lives.

President Xi Jinping said last year China planned for an emissions peak in 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 – 10 years beyond the target scientists say is needed. China pledged that it would stop funding overseas coal projects and will begin reducing its coal consumption by 2026. But an economic slowdown coupled with power shortages in recent weeks have fueled policymakers’ arguments that China is not yet ready to make bolder moves. 

Xi is unlikely to be present at the talks. China will send Zhao Yingmin, its vice-environment secretary, but analysts believe there’s little chance of a bold announcement as Xi would not.

UNITED STATES

The United States is currently the world’s second-largest carbon emitter but has historically put more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than any other country since the Industrial Revolution. After former President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the United States will be returning to the United Nations climate negotiations this year. He also opted to ignore global efforts to reduce emissions.

A series of climate-related catastrophes have caused a rise in awareness in America. These include wildfires and the worst drought for nearly a century.

Joe Biden, President of the United States, has reaffirmed his support for the Paris Agreement. He pledges that by 2030 the country will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 50-52% compared to 2005 levels.

Congress faces challenges in enforcing domestic climate legislation. Diplomats and non-governmental organizations have stated that the United States will not be able to make concrete efforts to pressure major emitters such as Brazil, India, and China to take more action in Glasgow.

UNITED KINGDOM

Italy is the conference’s host. British minister Alok Sharma, who is leading the conference, said he hopes the talks “consign coal power to history.”

Britain committed in 2019 to net-zero emission by 2050. It also pledged earlier this year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 78% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government is facing a problem: There are increasing pressures to stop new North Sea oil-and gas exploration but it would make the country less dependent on imported fuel.

EUROPEAN UNION

Around 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions are produced by this 27-member bloc. However, its emissions have been declining for many years. EU law has set targets to lower net emissions to at least 55%, by 2030. This is in addition to reducing them to zero by 2050. To achieve these goals, the EU’s member states are currently negotiating an extensive legislative package. 

Over the past two years, thousands died in Europe from extreme heatwaves or floods.

The EU members negotiate together at climate negotiations and they are expected to press for stronger climate targets from all countries every five years. This position is likely to be sticky during negotiations.

LAST DEVELOPED NATIONS (LDCs).

This group includes 46 of the most impoverished nations in the world. Their 1 billion inhabitants are located across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean. They are especially vulnerable to climate change but have been least responsible.

LDCs will push rich countries, together with groups such as the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and the Climate Vulnerable Forum to make a commitment to contribute $100 billion annually to climate finance to developing nations for the 2020-2024 period. They are already on the verge of missing this target.

BASIC COUNTRIES

This group of countries, which includes India, Brazil, South Africa and China, is fast developing, has high-polluting economies. Each has called on rich countries to provide more climate financing, and have demanded equity through the UNFCCC concept of “common but differentiated responsibilities” – meaning wealthy countries that contributed the most emissions to the atmosphere have a greater responsibility to address it.

New Delhi stated that India’s current pledge of $100 billion per annum is inadequate and it is unlikely the country will commit to reaching a net zero goal by 2050. Brazil is also seeking financial compensation for Amazon deforestation (NASDAQ) South Africa is seeking stronger proof that developed countries can provide the $100 billion annually they promised. However, it also wants $750 billion.

AUTOTHER NEGOTIATING LOCS:

CLIMATE VULNERABLE FOUM

This group represents 48 of the most vulnerable countries from climate impact, such as Bangladesh and Maldives. They call for strong international agreements and ask that countries update their climate commitments every year, rather than every five years.

ALLIANCE OF SMALL ISLAND STATES

The nations of the alliance are particularly vulnerable to climate changes, including sea level rises and coastal erosion.

THE POWERING OF PAST COAL ALLIANCE

Canada and Britain are the leaders, and 41 other countries and many more private and local government bodies have also pledged to accelerate transitions from coal energy.

HIGH AMBITION COLLABORATION

The Marshall Islands, Costa Rica and the United States formed this group in 2014. They are pushing for climate policies and more progressive emission targets.

CHINA + G77

This group, which includes 77 countries in the developing world and China, has been around for a long time. It holds firm to the idea that each country is responsible for its own actions.

UMBRELLA GROUP

This group of twelve non-EU countries include Australia, Japan, Russia and the United States.

AFRICA GROUP

Africa’s U.N. members will push for additional climate financing for the developing world.