COP26 stands for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, which is held in Glasgow from October 31 – November 12, 2021. The report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on Monday places urgent importance in slashing greenhouse gas emissions.

       “This report, very clearly, is a very stark warning,” Mr Sharma told Newsnight.

       "The door is still somewhat ajar in terms of tackling climate change and avoiding its worst effects.

       “Unless we get it right now that door will unfortunately close shut.

       “So what we need to do is ensure that all countries come forward with ambitious plans to cut their emissions so that we can deliver on what was agreed in Paris in 2015 which was to limit global temperature rises to well below 2 degrees but aiming for 1.5 degrees.”

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       The IPCC report showed that immediate and large-scale environmental efforts must be made to “avert climate catastrophe”.

       The report revealed that the global surface temperature was 1.09 degrees Celsius warmer than in the decade 2011-2020 compared to 1850-1900.

       It also found that the past five years have been the hottest years on record since 1850.

       Compared with 1901-1971, the recent rate of sea levels rising has nearly tripled.

       Heatwaves and other hot extremes have “virtually certainly” become more frequent, and human influence is “very likely” to be the cause of the glaciers melting.

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       However, scientists have said that while this report is concerning, there is still hope that in the next decade the crisis can be averted.

       "If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe,” UN Secretary General António Guterres said.

       “But, as today's report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses.

       “I count on government leaders and all stakeholders to ensure COP26 is a success."

       The United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26, will be held in Glasgow this November.