A major UN climate conference is under way in Egypt amid geopolitical tensions and crises that have dimmed expectations for breakthroughs on reducing global warming. The two-week gathering, known as COP27, is being held in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh against the background of the Ukraine war, which has sent food and energy prices soaring and put economies worldwide under stress. The conference also comes after natural disasters have taken a huge toll on lives and livelihoods in several parts of the globe. Taking the presidency of COP27, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukr…