In November 2021, the world came together in Glasgow for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference. World leaders met with the aim of averting and limiting the damage. And while the eyes of the world were on the powerful gathered inside the conference centre, outside people took to the streets. 

 

Some progress was made at COP26. World leaders pledged to reduce methane emissions and protect rainforests. Wealthy countries agreed again to support vulnerable countries with billions in financial assistance. And there was a commitment to phasing out coal power altogether.

 

But less than four months later war broke out in Europe. Ukrainian towns and cities were devastated and millions were displaced as their homes were destroyed.

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The knock-on effects caused energy costs to spiral, making economic problems around the world even worse. With inflation rising and the cost of basics increasing rapidly, a cost of living crisis began to bite. 

 

Now, as world leaders gather for COP27 in Egypt, BBC weather presenter Judith Ralston asks: Have efforts to tackle climate change been knocked off course? And if so, what needs to happen to get back on track?