The COP26 climate conference in Glasgow will take place one year after originally intended – from 1 to 12 November – it has been confirmed.
The widely trailed decision was confirmed this evening (28 May) by the United Nations, the UK and Italy, which will host pre-summit events.
It also saw the announcement of 25 global experts to advise the COP26 presidency.
The Friends of COP include Selwin Hart, special adviser to the United Nations secretary-general on climate action; Eric Garcetti mayor of Los Angeles and Sharan Burrow, general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation.
In a statement, the UK said that in the run-up to the conference, it would continue to work with all involved to increase climate action, build resilience and lower emissions.
It also pointed out that the new date would allow it and Italy to harness their incoming G7 and G20 presidencies in driving climate ambition.
COP26 president Alok Sharma, said: “While we rightly focus on fighting the immediate crisis of the coronavirus, we must not lose sight of the huge challenges of climate change. With the new dates for COP26 now agreed we are working with our international partners on an ambitious roadmap for global climate action between now and November 2021. The steps we take to rebuild our economies will have a profound impact on our societies’ future sustainability, resilience and wellbeing and COP26 can be a moment where the world unites behind a clean resilient recovery.
“Everyone will need to raise their ambitions to tackle climate change and the expertise of the Friends of COP will be important in helping boost climate action across the globe.”
UN climate change executive secretary, Patricia Espinosa, said: “Our efforts to address climate change and Covid-19 are not mutually exclusive. If done right, the recovery from the Covid-19 crisis can steer us to a more inclusive and sustainable climate path.
“We honour those who we have lost by working with renewed commitment and continuing to demonstrate leadership and determination in addressing climate change, and building a safe, clean, just and resilient world.”