This year, the United Nations' Conference of Parties is being held in Glasgow, Scotland. For many, this summit is being held as the world's "last best chance" to combat climate change and meet the effort to prevent the Earth's temperature from rising an additional 1.5°C. The conference, held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12, brings together leaders around the world from dozens of countries to lay out their countries' national plans to curb carbon emissions and meet climate change mitigation targets.

This year's conference, hosted by the United Kingdom, is especially important because it has been five years since the last conference, COP21, which was held in Paris, France. From that conference came the critical 2015 Paris Climate Accord, otherwise known as the Paris Climate Agreement.

This year is the world's temperature check, literally, on how countries are doing with these goals.

While all eyes are on the big three: the United States, China and the European Union — three powers that have set a target for reaching 'net zero' emissions — other important countries like India, China, Russia and more are also under immense scrutiny.

But among other issues being discussed, some of the most hotly debated include how wealthier countries can help less wealthy countries tackle carbon emissions, how the world can adapt to hotter climates, how some countries like Small Island Developing States are facing the brunt of climate change despite contributing the least to the changing climate and the consequences of climate refugees and migration.

During COP26, Glimpse from the Globe's staff writers and editors will be reporting on, analyzing and debating some of the topics central to the conference. Follow along as we track the conference, its progress and truly gauge wether COP26 is the world's "last best chance."