The next collisions in Glasgow as COP26 reaches halfway mark

There are significant divides between nations' negotiating positions as the summit reaches the halfway mark.

Why it matters: While the ambitious pledges are getting all the attention, closed-door meetings are unfolding in the background to hammer out specifics of how to put certain aspects of the Paris Agreement into effect, such as a carbon market to incentivize companies to reduce emissions.

What we're watching: One question is over how frequently nations should review their emissions reduction commitments.

• Paris says every five years, but many countries, including the U.S., are aiming now for such stocktaking to occur at each annual UN summit.

The intrigue: There are also thorny questions over whether and how wealthy countries should compensate developing nations for the damage they've already incurred from extreme weather events and other climate change impacts.

• Next week is when the pace of progress and announcements may slow, as negotiators try to gain consensus around key elements of a Glasgow summit outcome.