byJen Laming

Posted on28 October 2022

Posted in Climate change
Tagged:
  • climate change
  • climate crisis
  • COP
  • COP27
  • environment
  • UN
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COP stands for Conference of the Parties; the biggest annual conference on the climate crisis, held by the United Nations. It sees representatives from hundreds of countries gather to agree actions to tackle the climate crisis. In this article, we take a look at COP's history, key achievements and what's likely to be on the agenda in 2022.

The origins of COP go back to 1992, when 197 countries joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - a means to work together to limit global temperature increases that drive climate change.

The first COP (COP1) took place in Berlin in 1995, with the aim of agreeing how global temperatures would be limited, and strengthening the UNFCCC. Almost every year since then (apart from in 2020 due to Covid-19), countries gather to review progress compared with the latest climate science, and set new commitments on both preventing and adapting to the climate crisis.

Some landmark commitments made at past COPs include:

  • Kyoto Protocol (COP3, Kyoto 1997) - The Kyoto Protocol committed "industrialised nations and economies in transition to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets." 192 countries are part of the Kyoto Protocol, but it only set legally binding emission targets for 37 industrialised countries and the EU. It ran until 2020, and has now been superseded by the Paris Agreement.
  • Paris Agreement (COP21, Paris 2015) - The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty, in which countries committed to limiting global heating to well below 2 degrees (and ideally 1.5 degrees) compared to pre-industrial levels.
  • Glasgow Climate Pact (COP26, Glasgow 2021) - The Glasgow Climate Pact saw nations agree to reduce the gap between current emission reduction plans and the action needed to limit heating to 1.5 degrees. It also recognised that countries have not kept their pledges to provide $100 billion annually to support developing countries to increase their resilience to climate change.

It was also the first time a COP agreement included commitments to phase down coal power and fossil fuel subsidies.

What are the priorities of this year's COP?

2022 has shown that the climate crisis is here, and societies must do more, urgently, to drastically cut carbon emissions. Catastrophic flooding hit Pakistan, China and Nigeria. Drought caused famine in Madagascar. And soaring temperatures hit Asia, North America and Europe - driving wildfires and thousands of heat-related deaths. Against this backdrop, a recent UN Environment report argues that current climate pledges are "woefully inadequate" and mean that the only way to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees is the "rapid transformation of societies". It argues that all sectors must avoid any locking in new fossil fuel infrastructure, and that there is no room for new oil and gas fields.

"Droughts, storms, floods and wildfires are devastating lives and livelihoods across the globe [and] getting worse by the day. We need climate action on all fronts and we need it now."

- António Guterres, UN secretary generalWhat are some criticisms of COP?

COPs have taken place almost every year for most of the past three decades. And yet, the world is still on track for global temperature increases of over 2 degrees. It might seem that this means the COP isn't achieving its goals, and the pace of change it can deliver is too slow.

Recent criticisms of COP, such as COP26 in Glasgow, was that it wasn't as accessible to delegations and activists from poorer nations as it could be due to the high cost of travel and accommodation. It was also noted that most representatives were male, and that the voices of indigenous peoples who protect the majority of the world's biodiversity were not given a big enough platform.

Why is COP still important?

Despite the actions delivered by COP feeling frustratingly slow, it remains the most significant occasion when representatives from 197 countries come together to attempt to agree meaningful action on the climate crisis.

The event enables representatives on the frontline of the climate crisis, such as the Alliance of Small Island States threatened by sea level rises, to directly address the world's biggest emitters. Their arguments have been key to increasing funding for climate adaptation, not just mitigation.COP also serves as a focal point for mass demonstrations such as the International Day of Climate Action, which takes place mid-way through the conference. This brings together millions of protesters at events across the world, to demand urgent action against climate breakdown. The focus for COP27 is expected to be demand climate justice for Africa and the Global South, and make sure high-emitting nations deliver on their pledges to fund climate adaptation.

"We must use this opportunity to demand climate justice and solidarity for Africa and the global south. To stop the climate crisis and bring energy justice to the world, we need a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels, and a just and feminist and equitable transition to community-based renewable energy systems."

- Ubrei-Joe Maimoni Mariere, Friends of the Earth Africa What can you do to support climate action?

Everyone can play a part in tackling the climate crisis, year-round. Here are some ways to take part:

Support climate campaigns
Good Energy partners Friends of the Earth, a veteran environmental charity that has played a vital role in campaigns such as getting fracking banned in the UK. Find out about their current campaigns, or join a local climate network to stand up for the planet from home.

As well as well-known charities, there are plenty of smaller organisations with specific environmental goals. Stop Cambo campaigns against UK government plans to approve new North Sea gas and oil. Fossil Free London exists to 'make London inhospitable to the fossil fuel industry', staging protests and stunts against key sites such as the Shell HQ.

Vote for change
The UK political scene at the moment is…chaotic to say the least! Whenever you have an opportunity to vote, whether in local council or general elections, look into the candidates' environmental policies. Use They Work for You to check past voting records, and Write to Them to easily contact your political representatives about the climate crisis.

Live by your values
Every tonne of carbon that can be saved matters. Which means that individual changes to help the climate are still important. Check out our other articles for plenty of ways to get started:

  • How can I fight climate change?
  • Ultimate 20 step guide to eco-friendly living
  • How to build resilience to eco anxiety
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Jen Laming

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Good Energy Group plc published this content on 28 October 2022 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 28 October 2022 11:49:07 UTC.