All times are local (GMT). 8:15 p.m. Following a last-minute debate over the terminology "down" or "out" in relation to coal usage, the negotiations concluded with a global agreement that aimed to maintain hopes of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, thus increasing the likelihood of preventing catastrophic climate change. Reactions to the agreement were mixed. Kaveh Guilanpour, Vice President of International Strategies at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, stated that the success of COP26 will only be determined in the future, with the real test being whether Glasgow signifies a shift from theoretical promises to tangible actions. At 7:40 p.m., Alok Sharma, the President of COP26, appeared on the verge of tears as India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav disrupted the adoption process of the Glasgow pact by proposing new language that suggested governments should "phase down" coal use instead of phasing it out completely. Despite some countries expressing disappointment, they pledged to still support the deal to prevent the negotiations from failing. Sharma apologized to the plenary for the handling of the process and became emotional. At 7:23 p.m., Sharma had opened the formal plenary by declaring, "It is now decision time." At 7:04 p.m., a deal was confirmed by Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua, according to China. When asked on the plenary floor if the Glasgow pact was going to pass, he gave Reuters the thumbs up and said "we have a deal" through his translator. However, he did have a critique. He said that developing countries have not had their voices heard enough, as he stated through his translator. Samuel Adeoye Adejuwon, a technical adviser on Nigeria's delegation, mentioned that Nigeria is in agreement with India in opposing strong language directed towards fossil fuels in the Glasgow pact. He explained that the argument revolves around special circumstances, emphasizing that it is not feasible to halt the development process. Adejuwon shared with Reuters that the discussions between the US, China, and India regarding coal were aimed at reaching a consensus. Observers at the UN climate talks became anxious when representatives from the United States and the EU met with counterparts from China and India to discuss the language of the deal regarding the phasing out of coal. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes and was confirmed by a member of the Indian delegation to Reuters, indicating that last-minute negotiations were taking place as the UK conference hosts pushed for an agreement. Just before the meeting, US special envoy John Kerry was heard by Reuters telling his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua that China was expected to phase out coal over the next 20 years, as they had recently signed an agreement with the US. At 5:36 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma announces that the meeting will resume shortly after country delegations complete their speeches. Following the reconvening, a vote on the deal is expected. Earlier at 4:40 p.m., US special climate envoy John Kerry noted that not everyone was pleased with the draft deal presented at the UN talks in Glasgow, stating that discomfort among all parties is a sign of a successful negotiation. After a number of small and island nations voiced their disappointment with the draft agreement for not providing enough support, the Minister of Environment for the Maldives, Aminath Shauna, warned that it may be too late for her country. India's Minister of Environment and Climate, Bhupender Yadav, also criticized the draft for requesting developing countries to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, arguing that they are still addressing development and poverty eradication. At 4:08 p.m., Swiss Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga expressed her country's dissatisfaction with the deal due to concerns about global carbon markets rules, but stated they would accept it. She noted that there was a general sense of unhappiness at the COP. Gabon's Minister of Water, Forests, Sea and Environment, Lee White, also mentioned having unresolved issues and needing reassurance from developed countries before leaving the Glasgow COP. At 3:58 p.m., he commented that the deal was not perfect. The common sentiment expressed by poor and small island nations during the plenary discussion of the draft climate deal was that they needed more support, particularly in terms of financial assistance, from wealthy nations. Despite feeling that the existing deal fell short in addressing their needs, they indicated their willingness to support it. Marshall Islands climate envoy Tina Stege acknowledged the progress made but emphasized the need for more support. Tuvalu's climate envoy Seve Paeniu expressed his concern for his grandchildren's future and highlighted the promise made by Glasgow to secure it. At 3:44 p.m., EU climate chief Frans Timmermans received enthusiastic applause for urging countries to come together for the benefit of future generations. He emphasized the importance of reaching a deal for "our children, our grandchildren," warning that they would not forgive us if we did not act now. Timmermans expressed concern that the conference could face setbacks if countries insisted on making further changes to the texts just before the finish line. At 3:30 p.m., he stated that the best Christmas gift he could offer would be a successful outcome for the conference. During a meeting at COP26, China's negotiator Zhao Yingmin acknowledged that the current draft of the deal is imperfect, but stated that his team has no plans to reopen negotiations. Representatives from Tanzania and Guinea expressed disappointment that the draft did not provide enough financial assistance for developing nations to address climate change. COP26 President Alok Sharma emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement, stating that the conference was at a critical moment for the planet and future generations. Sharma indicated that negotiations needed to conclude soon, suggesting that time for further discussion was running out. Prior to the official plenary session starting, US special envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua were seen together, examining a document line by line. A few days earlier, the two had surprised the summit with a joint declaration in which China committed to increasing efforts to combat climate change by reducing coal use, controlling methane emissions, and preserving forests. At 2:30 p.m., negotiators were meeting privately to resolve any remaining obstacles to reaching an agreement, leaving delegates from three countries feeling uncertain about the situation. One negotiator described the last-minute tensions as chaotic. China's No.  2 negotiator Zhao Yingmin stated upon entering his country's offices that he had no new information. Meanwhile, Brazil's representatives were observed entering a meeting of the G77 group of developing nations. At 1:45 p.m., after an hour and 45 minutes, Sharma returned to the microphone to reveal a slightly revised schedule: all attendees were dismissed but instructed to return at 2:30 p.m. for the official plenary session. The delay was necessary to give parties more time to wrap up their negotiations, he explained. He also emphasized that a deal would be reached that afternoon. At 1:06 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma was in the plenary room at noon and attempted twice to get delegates from other countries to take their seats, but was unsuccessful. An hour later, there were still large groups engaged in discussions on one side of the stage. US climate envoy John Kerry was seen moving around the room, speaking with different groups. By 12:30 p.m., delegates were eager for updates on the negotiations but were handling the delays calmly. Axel Michaelowa, an advisor to the Honduras delegation, noted that it is typical for the COP to go beyond the scheduled time, so the delays were expected. In the cafeteria, opinions varied on what the delays meant for the final deal - some believed it indicated a strong agreement to limit global warming to 1.5C, while others thought it suggested a weaker deal. Emily Wright from Save the Children International believed that the delays showed a commitment to reaching a deal that benefits everyone. On the other hand, Naja Moretro from the Norwegian Church Aid Youth Organisation felt that the texts were becoming less clear. Danish Climate Minister Dan Jorgensen expressed his support for language in the final deal that calls for a phase-out of coal as he entered the summit's plenary room at 12:02 p.m. "He expressed that it is important to recognize that the issue is not about shaming countries reliant on fossil fuels. He emphasized the need for the text to acknowledge that some countries require assistance in transitioning away from coal. He mentioned that one positive change in the text is the inclusion of 'just transition'. At 11:35 a.m., Nellie Dokie, 37, has been commuting two hours each way to the conference center to work as a chef. She has been cooking meals for VIPs and delegates and finally ventured into the main conference area to observe the surroundings." Dokie resides in Glasgow but hails from Liberia. She expressed her desire to be involved in historical events, stating that she played a minor role. At 11:20 a.m., US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry seemed to be in a positive and upbeat mood. He stated that it was a lovely day in Scotland as he walked with his top negotiators Sue Biniaz, Jonathan Pershing, and Trigg Talley, followed by reporters. It was uncertain whether his comment was influenced by the progress of the negotiations at the conference or the uncommonly sunny weather in Glasgow. The focus of the activity had moved to "bilateral" meeting rooms in the past day, with delegates gathering in secure, windowless rooms scattered throughout the conference site. They were going over the draft text in preparation for the noon stocktaking session. At 8:53 a.m., a group of Greenpeace employees were gathered in the COP26 conference halls, working on a new statement based on the latest draft revisions. Spanish Energy and Environment Minister Teresa Ribera was observed hurrying from her delegation's office as the UK COP26 Presidency released what many are hoping will be the final draft of a comprehensive Glasgow agreement. Technical crews were dismantling equipment and clearing out meeting rooms as the event venue was being taken down. At 8:21 a.m., after intense deliberations overnight, delegates were getting ready for the release of another draft agreement. The pavilions where countries displayed their climate-friendly initiatives have been taken down, but coffee stands are still open. Civil society groups are analyzing newly released documents for hints on the final agreement. The UK conference hosts announced there will be no deal on Friday night, with plans for formal meetings on Saturday to finalize decisions and close the session. Delegations and the media were seen heading back to their hotels for some rest before a long day ahead. The COP26 conference halls became quiet at 8:40 p.m. with small groups of negotiators, including EU delegates, moving between meetings. According to Felipe De Leon Denegri, Costa Rica's carbon markets negotiator, much of the work during the final hours of climate negotiations is done through "shuttle diplomacy," where diplomats shuttle between rooms. However, this year may be quieter as a lot of the communication is now done through the messaging app WhatsApp. De Leon mentioned that a unique aspect of COP in the 21st century is that shuttle diplomacy is now sometimes conducted on WhatsApp. He explained that due to the pandemic and the rise of virtual work, more discussions than ever are taking place on the social media app. Tuvalu's Finance Minister, Seve Paeniu, stayed up late negotiating the section of the draft agreement related to "loss and damage". Countries like Tuvalu, facing the impacts of climate change, are pushing for wealthy nations with high emissions to provide financial support. He mentioned that his team is currently working on urging the United States and Australia to back a separate fund for loss and damage. He also expressed his determination to ensure a strong collective agreement is reached at Glasgow to maintain the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C. He criticized the lack of commitment from countries to reduce emissions and the insufficient focus on additional financing for adaptation. Ed Miliband, former UK Labour Party leader, paused in the hallway to commend Paeniu on a speech he delivered earlier. At 7:38 p.m., the delegation offices at the summit complex were mostly calm. Two prominent negotiators from China were observed in their office, and nearby, two US negotiators were seen walking down the hall with sandwiches. It was anticipated that the night would be lengthy, as there were significant disagreements regarding increasing emissions cuts commitments, handling carbon markets, and providing funding for developing nations.