The Conference of the Parties (COP) serves as the primary international platform for addressing and coordinating climate action under the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)COP29: UN Climate Change Conference…..Conference of the Parties (COP) Established at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the UNFCCC brought together nations to create a global response to the growing environmental and climate-related challenges posed by rising greenhouse gas emissionsCOP29: UN Climate Change Conference. COPs are held annually and bring together governments, organizations, scientists, activists, and stakeholders to review and negotiate collective actions to reduce emissions, protect natural ecosystems, and support sustainable development worldwide. Conference of the Parties (COP).
Since its inception, COP has become pivotal in shaping global climate policy. Each session builds upon prior commitments, adjusting goals and introducing new mechanisms to reflect the latest scientific insights and technological advancements. The structure and focus of COPs have evolved significantly, from establishing initial frameworks in the early 1990s to adopting legally binding targets, such as those under the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, and later fostering more inclusive and flexible arrangements like the Paris Agreement in 2015. These sessions underscore the urgency of addressing climate change through globally coordinated initiatives adaptable to individual nations’ economic and social conditions.
The Paris Agreement, reached at COP21, marked a transformative shift toward a bottom-up approach, enabling countries to determine their climate goals based on national capacities and circumstances. Known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), these goals are updated regularly and form a central part of climate accountability and transparency under COP. More recent COPs, such as COP26 in Glasgow, COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, and COP28 in Dubai, have addressed critical issues,s including climate finance, adaptation strategies, loss and damage, and accelerated carbon reduction initiatives. In November 2024, COP29 will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, focusing on climate finance, carbon markets, and new national climate protection targetsCOP29: UN Climate Change Conference. Looking ahead, the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) will be held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10-21, 2025.UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) 2025. COP 30 is considered a pivotal moment for advancing international climate negotiations and meeting the Paris Agreement goals Climate Change Conference (COP 30) 2025.
These annual gatherings underscore the importance of continual, progressive action on climate change, where challenges, such as emissions reductions, environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity, converge. COP plays an increasingly vital role not only in setting standards for climate governance but also in galvanizing financial and technical support, especially for vulnerable regions disproportionately affected by climate impacts. Through commitments and policies established in COPs, the conference remains central to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), reinforcing the interconnectedness of global efforts toward a resilient and sustainable future.
Each COP further refines the strategies needed to address the complex issues surrounding climate change, demonstrating the necessity for global collaboration, public engagement, and practical solutions to mitigate the far-reaching effects of climate change on societies, ecosystems, and economies worldwide. The Conference of the Parties (COP) serves as the primary international platform for addressing and coordinating climate action under the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Established at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the UNFCCC brought together nations to create a global response to the growing environmental and climate-related challenges posed by rising greenhouse gas emissions. COPs are held annually and bring together governments, organizations, scientists, activists, and stakeholders to review and negotiate collective actions aimed at reducing emissions, protecting stems, and supporting sustainable development worldwide.
1. Early History and Purpose of COP
The Conference of the Parties (COP) has its origins in the global push to address climate change and serves as the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)Achievements of the Conference of the Parties... Established in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the UNFCCC aimed to create a unified international approach to combat climate change by setting broad goals for stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrationsHistory of the Convention. However, this framework needed more specific implementation strategies, so the concept of a “Conference of the Parties” emerged to create an organized and sustained mechanism to make detailed climate commitments, discuss policies, and monitor progressConference of the Parties (COP)...
a) Early History and Purpose
The first COP meeting, COP1, took place in Berlin in 1995UN Climate Change Conferences. This conference set a precedent by underscoring the need for legally binding agreements that would go beyond voluntary commitmentsAchievements of the Conference of the Parties. This realization paved the way for the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, one of COP’s earliest and most ambitious actions, which set binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries, marking a significant step in international climate policy achievements of the Conference of the Parties. However, while the Kyoto Protocol was a landmark, it faced challenges, particularly the lack of participation by major polluters like the United States, which withdrew in 2001, citing potential economic impacts and the exemption of developing nations from emissions limits.
b) The Kyoto Protocol highlighted a key purpose of COP: facilitating cooperation between developed and developing nations while balancing environmental urgency with economic considerations. As COP meetings continued annually, climate science and awareness of the urgencyHistoricall overview of COP 2009-2017. This journey eventually led to the Paris Agreement at COP21 in 2015, a transformative milestone where countries agreed to work toward limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and ideally to 1.5°C. Unlike Kyoto, the Paris Agreement encouraged voluntary national commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs) for both developed and developing countries, recognizing the varying capacities and responsibilities among nations.
2. COP’s Purpose and Evolution
The primary purpose of COP is to bring together countries to review the UNFCCC’s implementation, negotiate new commitments, and monitor progress on climate change action of the Parties (COP)…What is COP?. The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention, where all states that are parties to the Convention are representedConference of the Parties (COP). The COP reviews the implementation of the Convention and any other legal instruments that the COP adopts and makes decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the Convention, including institutional and administrative arrangementsConference of the Parties (COP). Over the years, COP’s role has expanded beyond just policy negotiation to include mobilizing finance, advancing technology transfers, and establishing frameworks for transparency and accountability. The 29th Conference of the Parties Reflected the Evolution of Global Climate Negotiations. The aim of most COPs—until COP21 in Paris in 2015—was agreement on a new architecture for determining international climate The 29th Conference of the Parties Reflected the Evolution of Global Climate Negotiation. After the Paris Agreement, negotiations shifted to more technical rules that would operationalize the agreementThe 29th Conference of the Parties Reflected the Evolution of Global Climate Negotiation. Today, COP addresses a broad spectrum of issues, from climate finance to gender equality in climate action, and has become a central hub for the private sector, civil society, and governmental collaboration on climate goals.
3. Important cops in Detail:
A. COP1 (Berlin, 1995): A Summary of Targets and Key Outcomes
The first Conference of the Parties (COP1) in Berlin in 1995 was a pivotal moment in global climate negotiations, marking the start of a structured, cooperative approach to climate change. The primary outcome of COP1 was the “Berlin Mandate,” a critical decision that laid the groundwork for binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially among developed nations, and catalyzed the development of what would later become the Kyoto Protocol.S summary report, 28 March – 7 April 1995
a) Key Targets and Objectives
i. Assessing the UNFCCC Framework: COP1 focused on evaluating the UNFCCC (established in 1992) and determining whether the commitments in the Convention were sufficient to mitigate climate change. After in-depth assessments, parties agreed that the existing voluntary commitments were inadequate to address rising greenhouse gas emissions. COP-Out? A Brief History of the United Nations Climate …
ii. Emphasis on Binding Emissions Reduction for Developed Nations: A core element of the Berlin Mandate was its call for legally binding commitments specifically for developed countries (Annex I countries). The mandate recognized that industrialized nations had historically contributed the most to global emissions and, therefore, should bear a more significant responsibility in reducing them. This reflected the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR), which acknowledged different levels of responsibility and capability between developed and developing countries. COP-Out? A Brief History of the United Nations Climate …
iii. Exemption of Developing Nations from Immediate Commitments: COP1 established that developing countries would not be obligated to adopt binding emissions targets at this stage. This decision was largely based on the recognition that these nations were still in the process of economic development and needed flexibility to grow without the constraints of stringent climate commitments. COP-Out? A Brief History of the United Nations Climate …
iv. Setting a Two-Year Timeline for Negotiations: The Berlin Mandate set a timeline of two years for negotiations, leading to COP3 in 1997, where parties aimed to finalize a comprehensive protocol to tackle emissions reductions. This timeline and process ultimately culminated in the Kyoto Protocol—a landmark climate treaty that introduced binding commitments for developed nations. COP-Out? A Brief History of the United Nations Climate …
v. Initial Steps for Future Adaptation Measures: COP1 also highlighted the need for measures to adapt to climate impacts, even though the primary focus remained on mitigation. While no concrete adaptation measures were adopted at COP1, the conference underscored the importance of these actions, paving the way for future discussions on adaptation. COP-Out? A Brief History of the United Nations Climate …
b) Impact of COP1
COP1’s Berlin Mandate was instrumental in defining the structure of international climate commitments. By pushing for legally binding targets, COP1 emphasized a more rigorous approach to emissions reduction. However, it also set the stage for tension between developed and developing nations regarding who should shoulder the burden of climate action. The Berlin Mandate thus represented a key step in establishing differentiated responsibilities, a concept that has remained central to all subsequent climate negotiations. COP-Out? A Brief History of the United Nations Climate …
Overall, COP1 laid a strong foundation for future climate agreements, bringing the world a step closer to concrete, enforceable actions in the fight against climate change.
B. COP3 (Kyoto, 1997): An In-Depth Overview of the Kyoto Protocol and Its Legacy
The 3rd Conference of the Parties (COP3), held in Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997, was a landmark event in global climate policy. COP3 culminated in the creation of the Kyoto Protocol, a binding international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly among developed (Annex I) countries. This protocol marked the first time that specific emission reduction targets were internationally agreed upon, signifying a crucial step forward in climate change mitigation.
a) Key Objectives and Agreements in the Kyoto Protocol
i. Binding Emission Reduction Targets: The Kyoto Protocol introduced mandatory targets for developed countries to reduce their collective greenhouse gas emissions to 5% below 1990 levels by the commitment period of 2008 to 2012. Each country had individual targets, reflecting its industrial capacity and emissions profile. For example, the European Union committed to an 8% reduction, the United States to 7%, and Japan to 6%.
ii. Greenhouse Gases and Reduction Mechanisms: The Protocol focused on six key greenhouse gases:
l Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
l Methane (CH₄)
l Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
iii. Three industrial gases:
l hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),
l perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and
l sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)
iv. Flexible Mechanisms for Emissions Reduction: To achieve their targets, countries were allowed to utilize three market-based mechanisms:
I. Emissions Trading: This allowed countries to trade emissions credits among themselves, creating a carbon market. A country that emitted less than its target could sell excess “allowances” to others.
II. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Developed countries could invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries, earning credits (CERs) that could count toward their targets. CDM projects often focus on sustainable development, including renewable energy, reforestation, and waste management projects.
III. Joint Implementation (JI): Similar to CDM, JI allowed developed countries to invest in emissions reduction projects in other developed countries, receiving Emission Reduction Units (ERUs) in return.
v. Monitoring and Compliance System: To ensure accountability, the Kyoto Protocol included a rigorous monitoring and verification system. Countries had to report their greenhouse gas emissions and progress, and an enforcement mechanism was set up to address non-compliance.
vi. Recognition of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities’ (CBDR): The Protocol reinforced the principle that developed countries, having contributed the most to historical emissions, should take on a greater share of emissions reduction responsibilities. Developing nations were exempt from binding targets but were encouraged to contribute through mechanisms like the CDM, fostering sustainable development.
b) Challenges and Limitations
i. United States Withdrawal: Although the U.S. initially signed the Protocol, it withdrew in 2001, citing concerns that the targets would harm its economy and pointing out the lack of binding commitments for major developing countries like China and India. This withdrawal significantly weakened the Protocol’s impact, as the U.S. was one of the largest global emitters.
ii. Lack of Participation from Developing Nations: Many developing nations, including major emitters like China and India, did not have binding targets under the Kyoto Protocol. This created an imbalance in global responsibility for emissions reduction, with critics arguing that it reduced the Protocol’s effectiveness in truly addressing global climate change.
iii. Insufficient Targets for Climate Mitigation: Although the Kyoto Protocol set ambitious goals for the time, the targets were later considered insufficient in preventing significant climate change impacts. The 5% reduction goal did not align with the levels of reduction that climate scientists would later identify as necessary to keep global warming within safe limits.
c) Legacy and Path to Future Climate Agreements
The Kyoto Protocol set a critical precedent for future climate agreements despite its limitations. It established an operational, legally binding framework and introduced market-based mechanisms to encourage emissions reduction. The Protocol’s principles and mechanisms influenced later agreements, including the Paris Agreement of 2015, which expanded on Kyoto by involving both developed and developing countries in climate commitments.
COP3 and the Kyoto Protocol marked a groundbreaking moment in the history of international climate policy. While not without its challenges, the Protocol established important foundations for global cooperation on climate action. By setting binding targets and introducing flexible mechanisms, the Kyoto Protocol encouraged accountability and paved the way for more inclusive climate frameworks, fostering a more resilient global approach to climate change.
C. COP15 (Copenhagen, 2009): Overview and Outcome
The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December 2009 was one of the most anticipated climate summits due to high expectations for a global, binding climate agreement. However, COP15 concluded with the Copenhagen Accord, a non-binding political agreement that fell short of the comprehensive treaty many stakeholders had hoped for. Despite this, COP15 highlighted the growing urgency of global climate action and set the stage for future negotiations that ultimately led to the Paris Agreement in 2015.
a) Key Objectives and Expectations
i. Goal of a Legally Binding Agreement: COP15 aimed to establish a legally binding climate treaty with global emission reduction commitments, building on and expanding the Kyoto Protocol to include both developed and developing nations.
ii. Limiting Global Temperature Rise: The conference sought to set a target to limit global warming to 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with some countries, particularly vulnerable nations and island states, advocating for a more stringent 1.5°C target.
iii. Developed and Developing Nations’ Commitments: There was an expectation for developed nations to commit to deeper emission cuts while also encouraging emerging economies to participate in mitigation efforts to a lesser extent.
iv. Climate Finance: Developing countries, particularly those most affected by climate change, called for financial support from wealthier nations to aid in adaptation and mitigation efforts to secure commitments to climate finance mechanisms.
b) The Copenhagen Accord and Its Components
After intense negotiations, COP15 concluded with the Copenhagen Accord, a document negotiated by major emitters, including the United States, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. Key elements of the Copenhagen Accord included:
i. Recognition of the 2°C Target: The Accord acknowledged the need to limit global temperature increases to 2°C, though it did not set legally binding commitments to achieve this target.
ii. Climate Finance Commitment: Developed countries committed to a goal of mobilizing $100 billion per year by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries, focusing on adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer, and capacity-building. This pledge was later formalized through mechanisms established in subsequent COP meetings.
iii. Emission Reduction Pledges: The Accord allowed countries to set voluntary emission reduction targets. Although non-binding, this structure allowed both developed and developing nations to outline individual targets for emission reductions, an approach that informed the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) used later in the Paris Agreement.
iv. Transparency in Reporting: The Accord proposed guidelines for tracking and reporting progress on emissions reductions, introducing a basic structure for Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas emissions.
c) Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the Accord’s achievements, COP15 faced criticism for several reasons:
i. Lack of Binding Commitments: The Copenhagen Accord did not produce the legally binding agreement that many countries and environmental advocates hoped for, leading to disappointment and frustration among many stakeholders.
ii. Negotiation Process: The negotiation process was contentious and complex, with some countries, especially those outside the major negotiating blocs, feeling excluded from final negotiations. This dynamic created a lack of consensus and transparency, leading some nations to refuse to adopt the Accord.
iii. Ambiguous Climate Finance: Although the $100 billion climate finance goal was set, the Accord did not specify clear mechanisms for delivering and tracking these funds, leaving many questions about how and when these financial commitments would materialize.
iv. Unmet Expectations: For vulnerable nations and climate activists, the Accord’s voluntary nature and lack of enforcement mechanisms made it insufficient in addressing the pressing climate challenges of the time.
d) Legacy of COP15
While COP15 did not result in a binding climate agreement, it set important precedents that informed subsequent climate negotiations. The Copenhagen Accord’s structure of voluntary commitments influenced the bottom-up approach used in the Paris Agreement, where countries submit NDCs tailored to their capacities and national circumstances. Additionally, the conference underscored the need for climate finance and the importance of transparency in emissions reporting, both critical components of the Paris Agreement framework.
COP15 in Copenhagen was a pivotal moment in climate diplomacy, highlighting the complexities of global climate governance and the challenges of reaching consensus among diverse nations. Although it fell short of producing a legally binding treaty, COP15 marked a shift in climate negotiations toward inclusive, adaptable frameworks, laying foundational elements that contributed to the success of the Paris Agreement in 2015.
D. The Paris Agreement and Renewed Commitment: A Turning Point in Global Climate Action
The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, marked a historic milestone in global climate policy. Unlike previous climate accords, the Paris Agreement established a framework where nearly every nation on Earth committed to taking action against climate change. Central to the agreement was a commitment to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This ambitious goal underscored a recognition of the scientific consensus on the severe impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable communities.
a) Key Features of the Paris Agreement
i. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The Paris Agreement introduced a bottom-up structure, where countries set their own emission reduction targets, called NDCs, rather than binding top-down targets. Each country’s NDC reflects its unique circumstances, capacities, and ambitions, promoting flexibility and inclusivity.
ii. Long-Term Emission Reduction Goals: Countries committed to achieving net-zero emissions by the second half of the century, recognizing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gases and limit temperature rise.
iii. Climate Finance Commitments: Developed nations agreed to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in developing countries. This commitment, originally set during the Copenhagen Accord, was reemphasized to bridge disparities and help vulnerable countries address the effects of climate change.
iv. Global Stocktake Mechanism: The agreement includes a five-year cycle of reviewing and updating NDCs to reflect increased ambition. The first Global Stocktake, set for 2023, allows for assessing collective progress, holding countries accountable, and encouraging more ambitious commitments over time.
v. Transparency and Accountability: An important aspect of the Paris Agreement is its transparency framework, which encourages countries to report on their progress and share best practices. It provides guidelines for tracking emissions and climate efforts, promoting accountability and trust among nations.
b) Impact and Renewed Global Commitment
The Paris Agreement catalyzed climate action by engaging governments, industries, and communities worldwide.
4. Recent COPs and Emerging Focus Areas:
A. COP26 (Glasgow, 2021)
Key Goals and Negotiation Focus
COP26, held from October 31 to November 13, 2021, aimed to finalize the “Paris Rulebook” to establish clearer guidelines for implementing the Paris Agreement UNFCC report 2021.
Countries were encouraged to raise their ambitions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ideally aligning with a 1.5°C warming limit by 2100 (UNFCC report 2021.).
Wealthy nations were pressed to fulfill their commitment to deliver $100 billion per year to developing countries to support both climate mitigation and adaptation (UNFCC report 2021.).
There was a strong push to phase out unabated coal power and subsidies for fossil fuels, marking the first time fossil fuel reduction was explicitly stated in the agreements at a COP (UNFCC report 2021.).
Major Outcomes and Agreements
The Glasgow Climate Pact: 197 countries pledged to accelerate climate action, recognizing the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5°C (UNFCC report 2021.). The pact asked all countries to revisit and strengthen their 2030 emissions targets by the end of 2022.
Commitments on Methane and Deforestation: Over 100 countries joined the Global Methane Pledge, committing to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. A landmark pledge to halt deforestation by 2030 was endorsed by 137 countries (UNFCC Report 2021.).
Climate Finance: The Glasgow Climate Pact reinforced the need to fulfill the $100 billion annual funding pledge for developing countries promptly, alongside plans to double adaptation finance by 2025 (UNFCC report 2021.).
Article 6 and Carbon Markets: Countries agreed on guidelines to prevent double-counting of emissions reductions, a major sticking point in prior negotiations (UNFCC report 2021.). This decision is expected to facilitate a global carbon market.
Youth and Civil Society Participation: COP26 was one of the most inclusive COPs, with a strong presence of youth activists, indigenous groups, and NGOs pushing for accountability and action (UNFCC report 2021.).
Shortfalls and Criticism
Despite achievements, COP26 faced criticism for its limited binding commitments and softened language on fossil fuels (UNFCC report 2021.).
Developing nations expressed frustration over unmet financial promises and lack of enforceable measures for loss and damage support (UNFCC report 2021.).
Implications and the Road Ahead
COP26 concluded with both hope and concern. The agreements and pledges made were steps forward but fell short of meeting the ambitious targets needed to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.
Countries are now under pressure to strengthen their commitments annually, marking a shift toward a more dynamic and adaptive climate framework.
COP26 reinforced the call for accelerated, cooperative action, especially for climate financing, carbon markets, and fossil fuel phase-down, as critical pillars for global climate resilience (UNFCC report 2021.).
B. COP27 (Sharm El Sheikh, 2022)
Key Goals and Focus Areas
COP27 spotlighted “loss and damage” funding for vulnerable countries disproportionately affected by climate change (UNFCC report 2022).
COP27 aimed to increase funding for adaptation, urging developed countries to double their contributions to adaptation financing by 2025 (UNFCC report 2022).
COP27 emphasized the importance of revisiting and strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) (UNFCC report 2022).
Major Outcomes and Agreements
Establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund: One of the historic achievements of COP27 was the establishment of a fund dedicated to addressing loss and damage, marking a significant win for vulnerable nations (UNFCC report 2022).
Adaptation and Mitigation Work Program: COP27 also launched the Sharm El Sheikh Adaptation Agenda, outlining targets across water, food security, and coastal resilience for vulnerable communities (UNFCC report 2022).
Commitments on Green Energy and Fossil Fuels: While there was limited progress on explicitly phasing out fossil fuels, some countries announced partnerships and initiatives to increase renewable energy adoption (UNFCC report 2022).
Key Criticisms and Limitations
COP27 fell short in pushing countries to strengthen their NDCs significantly (UNFCC report 2022).
The conference did not establish a concrete plan for phasing out fossil fuels (UNFCC report 2022).
Implications and the Road Ahead
COP27 made notable strides in advancing climate justice by establishing the loss and damage fund, addressing an essential gap in climate finance for vulnerable nations.
The conference highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptation, particularly for regions at the frontlines of climate impacts.
However, the lack of substantial commitments to reduce fossil fuel use and the moderate progress on emission reduction targets underscore the continued challenges in aligning global efforts with the Paris Agreement goals.
COP27 set the stage for COP28 to address these gaps, with hopes for a more decisive agenda on reducing emissions and accelerating the global shift toward sustainable energy.
C. COP28 (Dubai, 2023)
Key Goals and Negotiation Focus
COP28 in Dubai (2023) addressed critical aspects of climate action, marking key advancements and commitments across several fronts (UNFCC report 2023).
One of the major achievements was the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund on the first day of the conference (UNFCC report 2023).
The conference also emphasized a structured Global Goal on Adaptation, defining broad, time-bound targets across critical areas like water, health, and agriculture (UNFCC report 2023).
Finance discussions at COP28 also included the establishment of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a future framework for climate finance that will eventually replace the $100 billion annual commitment set in 2009 (UNFCC report 2023).
Major Outcomes and Agreements
Operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund with approximately $700 million pledged (UNFCC report 2023).
Emphasis on a structured Global Goal on Adaptation, with a two-year work program to establish indicators that would help measure adaptation progress (UNFCCC, 2023).
Shortfalls and Criticism
Although approximately $700 million was pledged to the Loss and Damage Fund, experts indicate that this sum falls significantly short, especially given that climate-related damages could reach around $580 billion by 2030.
Implications and the Road Ahead
COP28 laid a solid foundation for advancing climate resilience and adaptation while addressing some pressing issues related to sustainable finance.
Its outcomes signal a commitment to both adaptation and mitigation but highlight the need for broader financial support and actionable targets for future progress.
D. COP29 (Location TBD, 2024)
Key Goals and Negotiation Focus
COP29’s likely focuses include monitoring the implementation of pledges from COP26–COP28, strengthening emissions reduction measures, and enhancing accountability for financial and adaptation commitments.
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Implications and the Road Ahead
These COPs collectively highlight the urgency of global cooperation, sustainable finance, and actionable policies to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts, maintaining a focus on equity and accountability for both developed and developing nations Report 2024.
5. The Role of COP in Climate Action:
The Conference of the Parties (COP) plays a central role in global climate action by providing an international forum for countries to discuss, negotiate, and commit to addressing climate change. Held annually under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP serves as a gathering where almost all nations review and enhance efforts to combat global warming, adapt to its effects, and ensure equitable support for vulnerable countries.
a) Global Coordination and Framework Setting
COP is crucial for setting a coordinated framework for climate action. It convenes nearly 200 countries, which allows for a collective approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change on a global scale. COP’s mandate includes negotiating legally binding agreements, like the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015), both landmark treaties with long-term impacts. These agreements commit nations to emission reduction targets and encourage collective adaptation and mitigation efforts to curb global temperature rise.
b) Policy Formation and Commitments
Each COP session serves as a platform for countries to update or submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are individual country commitments to reduce emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts. These NDCs are crucial to meeting the targets set by international agreements, like the 1.5°C target in the Paris Agreement. By regularly revisiting these commitments, COP encourages nations to progressively enhance their climate ambitions, using scientific findings and national assessments as guides.
c) Fostering Climate Finance and Technological Support
Financial mechanisms are fundamental to COP’s role in climate action. Climate finance pledges, such as the goal of mobilizing $100 billion annually for developing countries (agreed upon at COP15 in Copenhagen), help resource-limited nations invest in sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and resilience-building measures. COP28, for instance, furthered discussions on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to establish a revised climate finance target that addresses the growing financial needs of developing nations.
Additionally, COP facilitates technological transfers and promotes capacity building. Initiatives like the Technology Mechanism, established at COP16 in Cancun, support developing countries in adopting climate-resilient technologies by bridging technical and financial gaps. These efforts enable countries to better cope with climate impacts and reduce emissions, particularly in critical sectors like agriculture, energy, and waste management.
d) Loss and Damage Mechanism
COP has increasingly recognized the need for a Loss and Damage mechanism to address climate impacts that go beyond adaptation efforts, such as rising sea levels and catastrophic weather events. COP19 (2013) in Warsaw established the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage to address this issue, which was a key area of progress in COP26 and COP27. The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28 marks a significant milestone, aiming to provide financial support to nations facing irreversible climate-related losses.
e) Encouraging Private Sector and Civil Society Participation
COP encourages involvement beyond governments, recognizing the importance of the private sector, civil society, and indigenous communities in climate action. COP events host dialogues, roundtables, and side events that encourage private enterprises to contribute through green investment, technological innovation, and sustainable practices. Civil society organizations, meanwhile, advocate for transparency and hold governments accountable for their commitments, ensuring that climate justice remains a priority.
f) Knowledge Sharing and Innovation
By gathering a broad array of stakeholders, COP fosters an environment for knowledge exchange and sharing successful strategies and new technologies. For instance, AI in climate tracking, renewable energy innovations, and sustainable agriculture techniques are often showcased during COP sessions, allowing countries to learn from each other and replicate successful practices.
g) Monitoring and Accountability
COP sessions are instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of climate policies. The Global Stocktake, a key part of the Paris Agreement that occurs every five years, allows for the assessment of collective progress toward the long-term climate goals. This accountability mechanism helps COP participants measure the gap between current actions and desired outcomes, urging nations to enhance their efforts where needed.
h) Long-Term Vision for Climate Resilience
COP plays a pivotal role in crafting a long-term vision for a sustainable future, aligning global efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By focusing on emission reductions, sustainable resource management, and ecosystem preservation, COP guides a global movement toward a resilient, low-carbon future.
Overall, COP serves as a critical hub for setting international climate policies, providing financial and technological support, and fostering collaboration among nations and stakeholders. It encourages nations to take meaningful action on climate change, supports those most vulnerable, and holds governments accountable to their commitments. Drawing from lessons learned and ongoing challenges, COP is increasingly focused on bridging the gap between ambition and action, emphasizing the need for concrete strategies and measurable outcomes. As climate challenges intensify, COP’s role will continue to evolve, demanding more ambitious, collaborative, and innovative solutions for a sustainable global future, ensuring that commitments translate into tangible results and that resources are directed efficiently to the areas of greatest need. This includes a stronger emphasis on adaptation measures, loss and damage support, and the integration of private-sector finance and technology to complement public efforts. In addition, greater involvement of civil society, indigenous communities, and youth is vital to ensuring that climate policies reflect the needs and values of all stakeholders.