Cop26: African nations seek talks on $700bn climate finance deal

Negotiators say funding needed to speed up decarbonisation and help developing countries to adapt

African nations want Cop26 to open discussions this week on a mega-financing deal that would channel $700bn (520bn) every year from 2025 to help developing nations adapt to the climate crisis.

Tanguy Gahouma-Bekale, the chair of the African Group of Negotiators on climate change, said the increased finance was needed for the accelerated phase of decarbonisation required to hold global heating to 1.5C.