Helen Briggs
Environment correspondent in Glasgow

Image source, PA

The big story will be whether any progress has been made on the draft pact published yesterday that will define how the world tackles climate change this decade.

A new draft of text had been expected overnight, though it has not yet been published. We’ll see whether yesterday’s seven-page document has been strengthened or watered down. Of course, it’s still a draft, and the final version may look very different.

The big sticking point remains climate finance: that is, money flowing from richer nations to poorer ones to help them build greener economies and cope with the impacts of extreme weather. There will also be further scrutiny of the plan to keep the goal of limiting temperature rises to 1.5C within reach. All countries have to agree to the text and we’ll get a better indication later today of what the priorities are and whether a deal can be done.

It’s also cities day at COP26, with a call for cities and regions across the world to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. With homes in the UK responsible for 16% of carbon emissions, there’s a focus on making houses more energy-efficient.

Image source, Getty Images

There was a surprise declaration from the US and China yesterday – the world’s biggest CO2 emitters. According to China, it was agreed after some 30 meetings over the past 10 months.

The move has been welcomed cautiously by experts and campaigners – saying it offers hope and is a big step forward, but more commitment is also needed.

Bernice Lee, who works on climate change at the think tank Chatham House, said it was a “useful contribution” to find out the two superpowers had been talking – but it was a “sideshow, not the main show.”

“What they have agreed is the floor,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme – and it’s now “important that all countries work together for an ambitious package”.

But there are good things in the declaration, she added. “They have used stronger language than they’ve used before on the climate crisis.”

Aubrey Webson, who is the UN ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, said: “I think it will be helpful in making other countries come to the table a little quicker.

“They’re now going to be under greater pressure because two big countries have come to the table and have come to the table decisively and hopefully that puts a little more pressure on many of the partners who are a little bit more reluctant.”

Image source, Getty Images

It was a big day for news at the conference.

• There was a surprise announcement from the US and China who have vowed to work together to achieve the 1.5C temperature goal. The two countries – who are the world's two biggest CO2 emitters – are now expected to hold a meeting as early as next week
• A draft of the final deal was published, urging countries to submit their carbon-cutting targets sooner – by the end of next year. It also called for more help for poorer countries. Critics say the draft text isn’t ambitious enough
• Alok Sharma – the president of COP26 – suggested “near-final texts” of any climate deal could be published overnight. However, as yet we haven’t seen any
• The focus of COP26 on Wednesday was travel. Dozens of countries have promised to phase out petrol and diesel-powered cars but the US, China and Germany haven't signed up

Throughout the day we’ll be bringing you the latest coverage of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

We’re now into the final 48 hours of talks at the conference and negotiators are trying to get an agreement over the line.