The United Nations Climate Change Conferences

Facing an extremely dangerous increase in the planet's temperature, nations all over the world have started, in a very heroic fashion, assembling to find solutions. In fact, these are arguably the most important gatherings humanity ever came up with. 

“We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator.” - United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres

The United Nations Climate Change Conferences, also known as COP (Conference Of Parties), started in 1995. Fortunately for the future of the next generations, the main objectives of these conferences are limiting climate change and reviewing progress made by members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is basically an agreement signed between 197 countries to “stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climate system”. 

They are held once, every year, bringing together almost every country in the world. During the meetings, nations negotiate and try to compromise on various extensions of the primary treaty, finding solutions through the establishment of legally binding emission limitations. Commonground on these matters is, apparently, very hard to accomplish, but of the utmost importance. After all, the main goal concerns everyone involved: decreasing the world temperature. Taking into consideration that we’re at an increased 2ºC, a commitment to limit a global rise to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels is a must, as we’re already seeing the terrible consequences of the current state of affairs. One additional degree would simply be catastrophic for many countries, ecosystems, and species.

COP 27 Summary

Last year, in November, the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt hosted the 27th annual summit. Although parties remained divided on a number of significant issues, COP 27 ended with the adoption of the “Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan”, a breakthrough agreement that highlights a new loss and damage fund for vulnerable countries that are suffering the most from collateral damage.

Additional Key Takeaways:

• Progress on adaptation, in regards to what’s needed to address accelerating and severe consequences;

• Climate Finance Reforms;

• The Acceleration of Energy Transitions; 

• Important New African Initiatives Launched;

• Elevation of Nature-Based Solutions.

At COP 26, in Glasgow, countries finalized negotiations on the Paris Agreement. One year later at COP27, the time came to discuss how the commitment from the world community could be put into action. Despite the not-so-perfect ending in terms of resolutions, it’s good that the climate remains at the top of the international agenda. We’re in this together, and that’s how we’re getting out of it!

We’ll see you next week!