Our most read climate explainers of 2021

COP26, THE UN climate summit that took place in November, sought to speed up the fight against climate change. In the end governments merely kept alive the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. This year extreme weather events, from a heatwave in Americas Pacific north-west to floods in central Europe, were striking reminders of the consequences of failure. Below is a selection of our explanatory articles on the science and politics of climate change. What is La Nina? (December) The weather pattern is back for a second consecutive year Why is India clinging to coal? (November) Growing demand, entrenched interests and a sense of historical injustice keep it hooked What is the 3.5% rule beloved of climate protesters? (November) Mobilising a certain proportion of the population will not guarantee a movements success What really goes on during COP climate negotiations? (November) The process is opaque to outsiders and often infuriating to insiders Why is a heatwave broiling parts of America and Canada? (June) Even places that are typically cool need to grapple with the increased risk of extreme heat What are nationally determined contributions to curb climate change? (April) The emissions targets are the worlds best hope of limiting global warming, but they are falling short What would different levels of global warming look like? (March) A rise of a few tenths of a degree will have big consequences for the planet Is there a topic related to the climate that you would like our writers to explain? Please send your suggestions and feedback to explainers@economist.com More from The Economist explains: FAQs on the covid-19 pandemic Our most popular explainers of 2021 Our most read explainers about the world of crypto Our most read shortage explainers of 2021