Understanding the Purpose of a UN Climate COP

UN Climate COP

Tens of thousands of people from all over the world will gather next week in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, the 29th annual U.N. climate summit. This highly anticipated event will bring together global leaders, climate activists, scientists, and business representatives to discuss solutions to the pressing issue of climate change.

However, the purpose and impact of these annual summits can sometimes be unclear, given the complex nature of the negotiations and the slow progress that has been made over the years. Here’s a breakdown of why COP matters and what we can expect from this year’s summit.

Why Do We Have a Yearly COP?

The annual Conference of the Parties (COP) is a critical forum for addressing the global climate crisis, as climate change impacts all countries, regardless of their contribution to the problem.

The discussions are framed by the 1992 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was signed by nations with a commitment to tackle climate change through global collaboration.

The agreement emphasizes that the nations most responsible for causing climate change—primarily wealthier, industrialized countries—should bear the greatest responsibility for mitigating its effects.

However, this has become increasingly difficult to manage as developing nations grow economically and wealthy countries juggle other priorities, such as political instability and military conflicts.

What Can a Yearly Summit Achieve?

COP provides a space for countries to deliberate on potential solutions to climate challenges. These discussions often focus on energy policies, financing mechanisms, and funding needs for developing nations that are most vulnerable to climate impacts.

The summit also serves as a platform for world leaders to showcase their commitment to the UNFCCC’s goals. Their attendance sends a powerful signal of dedication to the cause and allows for peer pressure to hold countries accountable for their past promises.

While COP is the primary event, it is part of an ongoing process that involves year-round negotiations between countries. These meetings help shape the proposals that will be discussed and potentially agreed upon during the summit. COP is a key venue where these ideas come to life, often through consensus decisions made by participating countries.

Is the Process Working?

Despite its best efforts, the COP process has struggled to curb global warming. Since its inception in 1995, global emissions and temperatures have continued to rise, leaving the world on track for more extreme climate change.

While the COP process has led to valuable initiatives, such as the tracking of emissions and the movement of hundreds of billions of dollars in climate aid to developing nations, the pace of progress has been slower than needed. Advocates for the UNFCCC process, however, argue that it remains the best way to negotiate the socioeconomic changes necessary to limit global warming.

What Will We Get Out of COP29?

COP29 aims to deliver a few major agreements, including a new annual climate finance target, a framework for international carbon credit markets, and more funding for countries already suffering from climate disasters.

In addition to these headline agreements, negotiators will continue to work on technical agreements that build on the work done in previous years. Outside of the formal negotiations, countries and companies will also make announcements, launch new initiatives, and secure funding for climate-related projects.

Azerbaijan’s Role in COP29

This year, Azerbaijan holds the presidency of COP29, having been given the rotating responsibility for hosting the summit. As the host country, Azerbaijan plays a key role in shaping the negotiations and lobbying other governments for bold climate actions. This year’s summit will focus on the priorities outlined by Azerbaijan as the presiding nation, with next year’s summit to be hosted by Brazil, which will bring a new set of challenges and opportunities for climate action.

What Else Happens at a COP?

Apart from the high-level negotiations, COP is also a hub for a range of other events, discussions, and initiatives. Hundreds of side events offer a platform for activists, scientists, and industry leaders to present their ideas, lobby for funding, and forge partnerships.

Public panels discuss a variety of climate-related topics, from ocean conservation to carbon offsetting. The “Green Zone” exhibition hall showcases work from national delegations, non-governmental organizations, and corporate entities working on climate solutions.

Protests have been a part of some previous summits, with major demonstrations taking place outside COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. However, the last two summits, held in Egypt and the UAE, restricted protests to designated areas. Azerbaijan, which has stringent laws banning public protests, is likely to see limited civic action outside of the official conference site.

In conclusion, COP29 will provide a crucial opportunity for the global community to further its climate commitments and negotiate critical actions to mitigate the climate crisis. While challenges remain, the summit continues to serve as an essential forum for international collaboration and the fight against climate change.