The notoriously slow pace of UN climate summits has been something to behold ever since the first Conference of the Parties (COP) was held in Berlin in 1995. In fact, when one thinks that, bar a few exceptions, every single delegate from every 197 country-member has to greenlight every draft, rather than the rule of the majority prevailing, it appears miraculous that any agreements have been reached at all.

After global average temperature briefly reached 2C above pre-industrial levels on November 17, heads of state and diplomats have been starting to feel the heat. Can the host of the talks this year – a petrostate minister who has been accused of arranging energy deals ahead of the gathering – inspire the momentum we all need so badly? In truth, the question of his authority may matter less than some make out, according to long-standing COP watcher Jen Allen. On top of the host’s influence, Allen sets out three critical issues to look out for at the Dubai climate summit starting today.

You may have thought Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez was reckoning with the political fight of his life this summer after masterfully calling a snap election in July to see off a threat from the right. But the political escape artist will have to jump through yet another set of hoops in the next few months.

If Iberic high-wire acts don’t prove exciting enough for you, check out this story on how Denmark is coming to terms with the biggest spy drama in history.