AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
- While many nations have pledged to curb global warming, China, US, Germany have so far stayed away from the commitment.
- The distancing of the major car markets from the pledge has raised questions on its effectiveness.
- Even the world's top two carmakers -- Toyota Motor Corp and Volkswagen – are not yet on board.
Even as several countries, cities and companies have committed to phasing out fossil fuel vehicles by 2040, challenges still remain in shifting to zero emissions. Major car markets including China, US and Germany have not joined the pledge, raising questions about its effectiveness.
While US has plans to be carbon-neutral by 2050, China said last month that it will reach net-zero emissions before 2060. On the other hand, Germany has refused to sign the declaration at the summit due to a hesitation on "the result of the government's internal audit."
Why China, US, Germany are playing spoilsport at 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference?
Germany said that it has not reached an internal consensus on the "marginal aspect" of the pledge concerning whether fuels made from renewable energy but burned in a combustion engine could form part of the solution.
Toyota, Volkswagen disappoint
Not only these three major countries, even the world's top two carmakers -- Toyota Motor Corp and Volkswagen – have not signed up at COP26 summit in Glasgow. Different news reports say that these carmakers are concerned about the costly shift in technology once they come on board on the issue. These companies are also unsure about the governments’ assurance that the necessary charging and grid infrastructure would be built for their vehicles.
Image Description: Image source: 24Novembers, Shutterstock
Ice: 24Novembers, Shutterstock
Meanwhile, the European Commission has proposed an effective ban on fossil-fuel vehicles by 2035. It has also committed to a charging infrastructure demanded by automobile makers. According to International Energy Agency’s (IEA) data, cars, trucks, ships, buses, and planes continue to emanate a quarter of all global carbon emissions.
Who all have signed up?
Ford, General Motors, Volvo, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, BYD, Jaguar Land Rover are among the major signatories, from the global automobile sector. Among other leading companies and cities on board are ride-hailing company Uber, food retailer Sainsbury's, South Korean capital Seoul and Brazil's Sao Paolo.
The world’s second most populous country, India, is also a signatory. Even as the US is not on board, its key car-buying states like California and New York have signed up.
China, US announce a surprise pact
With COP26 summit entering its final days, China and US unveiled their surprise climate action plan on Wednesday. The two nations have vowed to work together to boost climate action this decade.
The agreement highlights focus on reducing methane emissions. It also talks about the two countries meeting regularly to "address the climate crisis".
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