2024-11-07
COP29 is now underway, and taking place in Baku until November 22nd. The event has already generated significant amounts of media coverage – whether that’s how the world is in worse shape than it was last year, and what needs to be addressed at the Conference; or which world leaders are or are not attending.
With all this in mind, PlanetPlay provides a rundown on what you need to know about this super important event…
What does ‘COP’ stand for?
COP stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. It’s a gathering of countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC, established in 1992, is an international environmental treaty aimed at addressing climate change. The COP events provide a platform where countries can discuss and negotiate actions to combat climate change.
What are these events all about?
COP events are organised to assess progress in dealing with the climate challenge and to negotiate agreements and commitments amongst participating countries. Since the effects of climate change are global and complex, these meetings offer an opportunity for world leaders, scientists, activists, and policymakers to coordinate actions and set global climate targets.
How often do they take place?
Held annually, the first COP took place in 1995, and each year representatives from countries gather to build upon previous discussions and set new goals. Each COP event is typically named with a number corresponding to its sequence – so this year’s COP29 is the 29th outing for the event.
What are some key outcomes of previous COP events?
Some have produced landmark agreements, such as:
• Kyoto Protocol (COP3, 1997): This established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. It was a critical early step in addressing climate change on an international scale.
• Paris Agreement (COP21, 2015): Perhaps the most famous outcome of any COP event, this legally binding agreement set the target to limit global warming to "well below 2°C" with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Countries also committed to setting national targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to reduce emissions.
What do the COP events focus on today?
In recent years, COP events have centered on increasing ambition in emission reduction targets, financing adaptation and resilience efforts in developing countries, and addressing loss and damage from climate impacts. COP events now also discuss innovative topics like renewable energy, sustainable land use, and carbon markets. They also serve as a platform for "non-state actors" like corporations, cities, and NGOs to commit to climate action.
Who participates in COP events?
Representatives from the 198 ‘parties’ (that’s 197 countries plus the European Union) that are signatories to the UNFCCC attend COP events. These include government officials, scientists, activists, and members of civil society organisations. International organisations, media representatives, and business leaders also attend to influence, report, and take part in climate solutions.
As The Independent points out, green activists are looking to Britain this year for climate leadership, with the UK’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed to attend COP29. Amongst those not attending are EU President Ursula von der Leyen, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whose country will be the next host of the climate summit in 2025. Current US President Joe Biden has also chosen not to attend, but will be sending a representative.
Why should we care about COP events?
COP events are vital for setting the course of global climate action. The policies and agreements made at COP events shape national legislation, corporate practices, and individual actions on climate change. They help raise awareness, hold countries accountable, and empower grassroots movements by giving climate issues global visibility. With the world currently in political turmoil, it has never been more important to put the climate challenge under the spotlight and on the news agenda.
How do we get involved?
COP29 is taking place until November 22nd in Baku. Mainstream news outlets will no doubt cover the key announcements and discussions from the event, but there is a public webcast that you can access. You can take a look at the schedule here - https://unfccc.int/cop29#schedule
And, of course, if your studio would like to make a real difference in the efforts to save the planet (whilst also increasing your revenue), join the PlanetPlay movement! You can find out more about how to get involved here.