When addressing climate change globally, the Conference of the Parties (COP) is crucial in bringing countries together to collaborate and take action. You have probably heard about these meetings in the news in the past and wondered what exactly they are all about.
In this month's Hot Topic, we will explore the significance of these meetings as:
November marks the end of COP16 on Biological Diversity, which took place from October 21st to November 1st in Cali, Columbia.
COP29 on Climate Change is scheduled for later in the month, from November 11th to the 22nd, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Shortly after, COP16 on Combating Desertification will occur next month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from the 2nd to the 13th of December.
What is COP, and what does it stand for?
This month, we will concentrate on COP29 (under the UNFCCC). However, before then, the two other sister conventions that address critical environmental issues and have significant ties to climate change are worth discussing.
COP Under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasises the importance of biological diversity and its effects on surrounding environments.
First held in Nassau, the Bahamas, in 1994, these types of COP meetings have helped create impactful targets such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets for 2020 and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework for 2050.
What is Biodiversity, and does it need an annual COP meeting?
COP Under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) focuses on the growing crisis of desertification, land and soil degradation, and droughts. However, this issue is not exclusive to arid regions; it is happening worldwide and even within some areas of the UK.
First held in Rome, Italy, in 1997, these types of COP meetings have helped establish many initiatives to restore damaged land in areas that need it the most, including the Great Green Wall Initiative, where 11 different countries have agreed to team up to establish trees, plants, and vegetation across the entire width of Africa—helping both communities and the environment alike.
What is Desertification, and does it need an annual COP meeting?
COP Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has led important climate discussions ever since it was proposed for signature during the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. With a total of 198 countries that are members known as Parties,
it holds an annual Conference Of The Parties (COP). This gathering brings together heads of state, negotiators, scientists, non-governmental organisations, and environmental activists
together under one roof based on the designated president of the country responsible for overseeing talks during the conference.
COP28 was important for many different reasons. The first was that it marked the first global stocktake agreed upon in the Paris Agreement. This is a moment to examine how efforts are maintained to reach net-zero emissions and avert the worst effects of climate change. Unfortunately, the conclusion was that governments must do more to prevent a rise in average global temperatures.
The second reason was the struggle to decide on the next host for COP29. Most countries promised to veto one another due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and any remaining countries felt they could not host the massive global event. This left just two suitable hosts: Azerbaijan and Armenia—and they, too, promised to veto one another because they were rivals in a territorial war.
2023 was shaping up to be the last year COP would be held annually as COP28 began to conclude. This was until Armenia decided to drop its rival bid and lift its veto on Azerbaijan following diplomatic negotiations. The two countries released a joint statement that outlined an ambition to normalise relations following the years of war in the hope of reaching peace and addressing the long-term shifts of climate change.
This outcome was crucial for Azerbaijan, where the world's first oil wells were made. Just a short trip away from the Baku Stadium (the venue of COP29), there is an area with two nicknames: the old, historically significant "Black City" and the urban "White City" of the future.
The “Black City” area in Baku got its name during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Azerbaijan became one of the world's leading oil producers. This city's gloomy concentration of oil fields, refineries, and related industrial facilities had led to heavy pollution, with oil stains, soot, and industrial grime covering the landscape. This industrial zone was essential to the city’s growth and the global oil industry, but it also resulted in significant environmental and health impacts for those who lived nearby.
Currently, the area is undergoing a soft reset and transforming into what is referred to as the "White City." Some parts are being redeveloped and repurposed to enhance air quality and create comfortable living conditions, reflecting Azerbaijan's commitment to sustainability.
It is hard to say what the outcomes may be during COP this year. Will the talks in Baku be a much-needed breakthrough in climate change regulations, or will more actions be needed during COP30, which will take place next year in Brazil?
Discussion points for Health and Wellbeing
What are your hopes for the future of climate change?
Can climate change have an impact on people's health and mental well-being?
Could the loss of biodiversity and increase in desertification lead to more diseases?
How does air pollution affect our health?
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