Leaders from across the globe are preparing for the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP27. Throughout the event, key issues such as clean energy, climate finance, and the mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHGs), among others, will be discussed in efforts to put together and action a stronger global plan to address climate change.
What is COP?
The UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) is an agreement between 197 UN countries to:
“stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system.”
How often is COP held?
COP (Conference of the Parties) is the main decision-making body of the UNFCCC and is therefore instrumental in working towards the above goal. It has run since 1995 and generally takes place every year, unless otherwise agreed by the parties (last year, COP26 was in Glasgow).
The Summit’s host city tends to rotate in location annually between the five recognised UN regions and its meetings centre primarily around negotiations and debates aimed at reviewing progress towards the collective goal of limiting climate change.
The conferences often result in new agreements and treaties, such as:
- The Kyoto Protocol (1997)
- The Cancun Agreements (2010)
- The Paris Agreement (2015)
Importantly, COP is also an opportunity for the contributions of each of the Parties, including national GHG emissions and climate action plans, to be reviewed.
#ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction #COP27 pic.twitter.com/d0Rb5D8US6
— COP27 UPDATES (@Ondu_Ke) October 25, 2022
Why is COP criticised?
This year in particular, criticisms have been launched regarding the efficacy of COP, with Greta Thunberg’s widely esteemed voice naming it “an opportunity for leaders and people in power to get attention.”
Related Articles: Greta Thunberg Won’t Attend COP27, Accusing it of ‘Greenwashing’ | C40 Summit: Groundbreaking Climate Investment
These comments stem in large part from the number of previous COP pledges that have subsequently either been weakened, or dropped entirely, by the nations involved.
This was seen recently as G7 countries diminished their COP26 pledge to end public finance for overseas fossil fuels projects, now making exceptions for gas projects “necessary” in the face of the current energy crisis.
#COP27 must be the place to rebuild trust and re-establish the ambition needed to avoid driving our planet over the climate cliff.
We need much faster, bolder #ClimateAction now. pic.twitter.com/UmXVc9mMwf
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) November 4, 2022
Where will the world leader Summit COP27 be held?
This year’s conference will be hosted by Sharm el-Sheikh, a resort town on the southeastern coast of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. As to the COP27 dates, it will run from 6-18 November 2022.
What can we expect at COP27 2022?
It is hoped that COP27 will prove to be most impactful yet, a feat that could be achieved through appropriately addressing the key focus areas:
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- Mitigation: Countries will be urged to fulfil their pledges related to the Paris Agreement and review their NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) ambitions. An enhanced global agenda for action on adaptation to become more climate resilient is also expected.
- Finance: Progress on the delivery of the targeted annual $100 billion to aid developing countries will be pushed for. The question of a “loss and damage” fund is also expected to form a key part of discussions.
- Collaboration: Efforts will be made to better enable governments, the private sector, and civil society to work in tandem, facilitating wider-reaching impacts.
COP27 thematic days will include food security, water security, climate finance, and the energy transition. There will also be a variety of side events covering the topics of strengthening resilience, delivering on mitigation ambition, and enhancing knowledge.
As talks develop over the next two weeks, the world will be waiting to hear of the bold, decisive action desperately needed to evade the climate disaster we are currently hurtling towards.
Learn more about COP27 agenda:
COP27 concrete actions from cities and regions
COP27 and solar energy: what to expect?
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Featured Photo: Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the COP26 Opening Ceremony. Featured Photo Credit: COP26.
