COP26 updates: Countries officially adopt Glasgow Climate Pact

More than 100 countries, including the U.S., are committing to reduce methane emissions 30% by 2030. 

Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide because it causes more warming, but it also dissipates more quickly. The International Energy Agency has said that reducing methane emissions is key to stopping rising temperatures. 

The agreement reached Tuesday is the first time that heads of state have committed to reducing methane emissions, although it is a voluntary commitment among governments.

The pledge is an important step, but like many issues when it comes to climate it’s only the beginning of what needs to be done, said Helen Mountford, vice president of climate and economics at the World Resources Institute. 

"This pledge from over 90 countries to cut methane emissions by at least 30% over the coming decade sets a strong floor in terms of the ambition we need globally," Mountford said in a statement Tuesday.

-ABC News' Stephanie Ebbs

President Biden outlined five key principles for world leaders to implement for tackling climate change. 

Infrastructure projects, especially those financed by the world’s superpowers in third-world countries, should be designed in concert with local community members, Biden said. 

In addition, projects should be carried out with high-quality materials and trillions of dollars from both the private and public sectors will be needed to mobilize the projects, he said. Building out a sustainable infrastructure should also create economic development and good-paying jobs, Biden added. 

"So this climate crisis is an enormous opportunity. It's about jobs. It's about building the industries of the future, making sure everyone shares the benefits of an equitable and sustainable green recovery," Biden said.

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were among the attendees at the event. 

-ABC News’ Sarah Kolinovsky and Molly Nagle

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro made what may be their only appearances at COP26, as neither leader is attending the summit in person. 

Russia has pledged to get to net zero by 2060, Putin said, adding that 20% of all forests are located in Russia.

“I am convinced that the conservation of forests and other natural ecosystems is a key component of international efforts to address global warming and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases,” Putin said in a pre-corded video played at an event on protecting forests Tuesday. 

Bolsonaro also expressed support for the Glasgow Declaration on Forests, saying he is committed to ending illegal deforestation by 2030.

“Forests are important to me because they cover more than 60% of my country,” Bolsonaro said. “They are a source of health and life and are home to the greatest natural wealth and biodiversity on the planet. We are committed to eliminating illegal deforestation by 2030.”

Pedro Castillo, the president of Peru, spoke about protecting the Peruvian Amazon in pre-recorded remarks.

-ABC News’ Stephanie Ebbs

On his second day at COP26, Biden outlined the United States’ plan to join the world in its mission to reduce deforestation.

“Preserving forests and other ecosystems can and should play an important role in meeting our ambitious climate goals as part of the net-zero emissions strategy we all have,” Biden said.

The plan has four components: to incentivize restoration and conservation, to encourage private sector investment, to increase data collection and accountability and to meet a $9 billion U.S. funding goal through 2030 – subject to approval by Congress.

Biden hopes this plan will restore 200 million hectares of forest and other ecosystems by 2030.