World leaders from around the globe will be arriving in Glasgow this morning for COP26.
The climate change conference was officially opened on Sunday with thousands already in Scotland's largest city in order to attend the event.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will officially open the World Leaders' Summit later today with leaders including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.
Over the next two weeks, between November 1 and 12, around 30,000 delegates from more than 180 countries will look at tackling the issue of climate change.
COP26 provides an opportunity for countries to come together in the fight against climate change - and the conference has been hailed as the 'last chance' to keep temperature limits at 1.5C.
More than 100 world leaders are expected to make the journey to attend the 12 day long conference.
But which leaders are attending?
What is COP26?
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26 and the Glasgow Conference, is the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference.
For nearly three decades the UN has been bringing together almost every country on earth for global climate summits – called COPs – which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’.
This conference is number 26 - hence the name COP26
World leaders are meeting for what is being described as the best chance to limit global temperatures.
There are four main goals of COP26 with countries coming together in order to progress with climate change prevention plans.
You can find out exactly what is expected to be discussed here.
Which world leaders will be there?
Despite hundreds of world leaders expected, there are only a few countries to have confirmed representatives.
Those confirmed include...
- Prime Minister Boris Johnson, United Kingdom
The PM confirmed his attendance as well as stating that there will be a place for leaders of the other three UK nations at the climate conference.
Mr Johnson said: "It’s a huge undertaking by the whole of the UK,” said the Prime Minister. “Every part of the UK is now working together. What we’ve got to do is, we’ve got to lead the world to get everybody to commit to net zero by 2050.”
- First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland
There has been a little bit of tension between the FM and PM regarding COP26.
However, Sturgeon confirmed she will be attending, representing the Scottish Government in Glasgow.
Mr Johnson has backed the First Minister's attendance even going so far to say that the FM will play a key role in the climate conference.
- President Joe Biden, United States
Mr Biden has confirmed he will be arriving in Glasgow in order to attend COP26.
The President will arrive in soon after hosting the Virtual Leaders Summit which was live-streamed for the public in order to discuss and encourage climate action.
The Summit saw 40 world leaders come together for talks.
- President Moon Jae-in, South Korea
South Korea's president is expected to travel to Glasgow for COP26.
- President Felix Tshisekedi, Democratic Republic of Congo
The President is the current chair of the African Union.
He will travel to Glasgow to represent both the Democratic Republic of Congo and the African Union at COP26.
- President Guy Parmelin, Switzerland
- President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria
- President Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana
- President Alberto Fernandez, Argentina
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India
President Emmanuel Macron, France
Which leaders with not be attending?
Vladimir Putin is among the world leaders not travelling to Glasgow to attend COP26.
The Kremlin confirmed on October 20 that the Russian President will not attend the conference.
Additionally, Xi Jinping - the President of China - will not be attending the conference. This was confirmed through PM Boris Johnson.
A notable absence will come in the form of Her Majesty The Queen. It was revealed by Buckingham Palace on Tuesday Queen Elizabeth II will not be in attendance following a brief hospital visit last week. Her Majesty has been medically advised to rest.
The Royal family will instead be represented by other members - including Prince Charles - with The Queen delivering an address remotely.
Other known names attending
There are a number of well known individuals attending the Summit.
Many of those include climate change activists and environmental specials.
Sir David Attenborough has been named COP26 People's Advocate. This means that Sir David will address world leaders and other attendees throughout the summit.
He also made appearances at other climate events in the run-up to COP26, including the G7 Summit.
Greta Thunberg has also confirmed her attendance. Despite levelling some criticism at COP26, the young climate change activist has made the journey to join world leaders in Glasgow.
With the Pope unable to attend, the Vatican City will be represented by Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Secretary of State at COP26.
It was first rumoured that Pope Francis would make the journey to Glasgow, however it was later confirmed that he will not and will instead remain in Edinburgh along with other dignitaries.
There are many more attendees yet to be confirmed - both world leaders and known persons.
Glasgow is sure to be super busy as the world prepares to come together in the fight against climate change.
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