The annual Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has become a crucial platform for global climate action. These summits’ purpose is to bring together world leaders, scientists, and activists to discuss and implement strategies to address climate change.

A Brief History of the COPs

The first COP was held in Berlin in 1995. Since then, these annual conferences have witnessed a mix of progress and setbacks. Some significant COPs include:

COP3 (Kyoto Protocol): This landmark agreement set binding emissions targets for industrialized countries. It outlined the greenhouse gas emissions reduction obligation for annex one countries.

COP15 (Copenhagen Accord): Although not legally binding, this accord marked a significant step towards global climate action. The nature and biodiversity framework was the central theme for COP15. A framework that recognizes and protects the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities, who are the most effective guardians of biodiversity. A framework that helps to bring nature into our working landscapes and cities: transforming them into green spaces where our children can play and breathe easy.

COP21 (Paris Agreement): The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. This historic agreement aimed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.