Last hope over climate crisis requires end to coal, says Alok Sharma

President-designate of Cop26 talks says tackling the fossil fuel is a personal priority'

Coal must be consigned to history as the world faces its last hope" of holding back climate breakdown, the president of the Cop26 climate summit says.

Alok Sharma, a former UK business secretary and now president-designate of Cop26, to be held in Glasgow this November, is expected to say this Friday morning: This is our last hope of keeping 1.5C alive. Our best chance of building a brighter future ... of green jobs and cleaner air. I have faith that world leaders will rise to the occasion and not be found wanting in their tryst with destiny."