The Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Dec 05, 2023

Every year, representatives from the 198 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) convene to assess progress and negotiate collective responses to the pressing issue of climate change. Adopted in 1992, the UNFCCC aimed to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations, following the seminal assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1990. Since its enactment in 1994, the UNFCCC has served as the cornerstone of international climate negotiations, facilitating landmark agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015).

The inaugural Conference of the Parties (COP) took place in Berlin in 1995, with subsequent COPs becoming pivotal forums for global climate discourse. The recent 28th COP in Dubai (2023) marked a significant milestone with the initiation of the first Global Stocktake, enabling nations to evaluate progress towards Paris Agreement objectives and strategize future actions. The upcoming COP29 is scheduled for November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, continuing the tradition of rotating host countries among the five United Nations regional groups.

COPs have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of the climate movement, establishing benchmarks, and catalyzing action. They have spurred efforts to reduce carbon emissions, propel the transition to renewable energy sources, and bolster countries' capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts. Moreover, COPs serve as vital platforms for fostering collaboration between governments, mobilizing diverse stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, industry, and individuals, in a unified endeavor to address the global climate crisis.

COP 28 (2023): Building on Momentum

• Aims to accelerate global climate action based on progress from COP 26 & 27.

• Key expectations:

• Global Goal: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5°C.

• Loss and Damage Fund: Provide financial aid to developing countries facing climate impacts.

• Fossil Fuel Phase-Out: Commit to transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.

• Increased Climate Finance: Offer more financial support to developing nations for climate action.

COP 27 (2022): Achieving Action & Just Transition

• Held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Theme: "Together for Implementation: Achieving Climate Action and Just Transition".

• Key outcomes:

• Global Stocktake Launch: A global assessment process to evaluate progress towards Paris Agreement goals.

• Adaptation Framework: Establishes a framework to guide global efforts in adapting to climate change impacts.

• Increased Climate Finance Commitment: Developed nations reaffirm their commitment to providing $100 billion annually for developing countries.

COP 26 (2021): Together for Our Planet's Future

• Held in Glasgow, Scotland. Theme: "Together for Our Planet's Future".

• Key achievements:

• 1.5°C Goal Recommitment: Countries reaffirm their commitment to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

• Phasing Out Coal & Deforestation: Pledges to phase out coal power and end deforestation.

• Increased Climate Finance: Developed countries commit to providing $100 billion annually in climate finance by 2025.

Overall, these COPs highlight the increasing urgency of climate action. They showcase efforts to reduce emissions, support vulnerable nations, and transition to renewable energy sources. COP 28 aims to build on these efforts and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future.