The ‘sustainability principles’ outlined in the document could in fact contribute to increased carbon emissions in the atmosphere, a policy analyst has claimed.

The countries involved produce only a small proportion of global oil and gas supply, but see the world-first diplomatic effort as a starting point.

CAR26 director Lois Perry was at a fringe event outside the official summit and organisers say she “left of her own accord”.

The major U.S. car producer has a history of supporting climate science denial and lobbying for weaker climate policies.

Campaigners said the news demonstrated a “classic case of the revolving door” between “big polluters” and governments.

Experts said his “prehistoric arguments” in the Spectator prove that Net Zero Watch is really “a front for tired old climate change denial”. 

Denmark and South Africa were the only exceptions among the 35 country pavilions at the UN climate summit, and the latter’s stall is sponsored by coal companies.

The Giudizio Universale lawsuit heads to court in December. It is one of many climate cases initiated by civil society in more than 40 countries around the world.

The COP26 delegation includes the CEO of Minerva Foods, and the chair of Marfrig, two of the world’s largest beef companies. Critics say their presence "smacks of greenwashing."

A growing ecosystem of banks, businesses and initiatives has sprung up around this revamped market, as major companies bank on carbon offsets becoming credible - and profitable - once more.