New data shows global carbon emissions have returned to near record levels after a short dip due to the COVID pandemic. Emissions from coal, gas and oil all rose over the past year. The findings by the Global Carbon Project came as a critical United Nations climate summit known as COP26 continues in Glasgow, Scotland. On Tuesday, the president of the Pacific island state of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., warned that without immediate and dramatic action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, his nation will be swallowed by rising seas.

President Surangel Whipps Jr.: “Frankly speaking, there is no dignity to a slow and painful death. You might as well bomb our islands instead of making us suffer, only to witness our slow and fateful demise. Leaders of the G20, we are drowning, and our only hope is the life ring you are holding.”

On Wednesday, Indigenous leaders from across the world marched on COP26 demanding the protection of their lands and Indigenous-led solutions to the climate emergency. Police arrested at least five people as hundreds of Extinction Rebellion members held a protest against corporate “greenwashing” at the COP.