COP 27 - Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
What is the Conference of Parties?
The conference of parties is the most important annual climate-related meeting on the planet. It has a long history of existence since 1992 when the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted for the first time. The treaty entered into force in 1994 and since then these are the most important annual summits discussing climate matters. Some of the notable results of these efforts are the Kyoto protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015. Resulting from the COP3 The Kyoto protocol introduced the binding targets for industrialized countries to reduce their GHG emissions, based on the scientific consensus that global warming is occurring and human-made CO2 emissions are driving it. The Paris agreement was the historic agreement achieved during the COP21 that saw all countries agreeing to step up the efforts to limit global warming to well below 2 C, preferably to 1.5 C above pre-industrial level temperatures.
In November 2022 we will witness the COP27 – the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It will be hosted by the government of Egypt and held in the city of Sharm El Sheik. In the largest annual gathering on climate change and action the participants will vary - from Heads of State, ministers and other government officials, to civil society representatives, scientists, climate activists and representatives of business. The COP27 has a lot of expectations to live up to - it should build on the outcomes of the COP26, tackling the critical issues of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, resilience, and climate change adaptation, as well as delivering on its commitments to support climate action in developing countries and ensuring a just transition.
This year the environment in which the event will take place is also quite difficult. With the extreme weather events and yet another year of record-high temperatures, the growing energy crisis in Europe prompted by the conflict in Ukraine and the record-high greenhouse gas concentration levels, the need for firm and coordinated actions towards tackling the climate crisis is stronger than ever.
What were the results from COP26?
The COP26 took place in Glasgow during 2021 and after weeks of intensive negotiations amongst countries the result was the Glasgow Climate pact. The best word to describe the results of the COP26 came from the UN Secretary general Antonio Guterres and it’s “compromise”. Although important matters were discussed and some steps were taken, the political will and actions were not proportionate to the significance of the issues. The 1.5 degree target was kept alive, but just barely.
Parties recognized the urgency to act on climate change and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 C. They also stressed that the current plans for Nationally determined Contributions (NDCs) are not enough and stronger action plans for emissions reductions are needed. Countries agreed on a provision stating a phase down of coal power and a phase out of fossil fuel subsidies. The promise to deliver a 100 billion $ an year for climate finance from developed to developing countries, that would fund the just transition, was not met. Climate adaptation in developing countries was in the focus of discussions and stepping up efforts to ensure the protection of lives and livelihoods in poorer countries. Parties also discussed matters like carbon markets and trading schemes and an Enhanced Transparency Framework on how to regularly report on progress towards the targets. Amongst others important agreements there were also the ones to reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, limit methane emissions with 30% by 2030 from a base year of 2020, new sold vehicles to be zero-emissions by 2040 and to direct private finance of trillions towards achieving net zero emissions. In summary the COP26 provided a foundation, for the further implementation of the Paris agreement. However, we are still far away from the Brundtland definition of sustainability - ‘Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’
What’s next and what can we expect from COP27?
As seen from the historical overview, the COPs can lead to agreements of a significant impact and drive change. Furthermore, considering the Glasgow summit, there’s both lots of open questions and high expectations for the COP27. The conference will take place between 6th – 18th of November. Around 90 Heads of state have already confirmed their participation with leaders or representatives of more than 190 countries are expected to attend the summit. There are three main topics that will be addressed.
Climate change mitigation will be, as always, in the focus of the talks, and the topic will require much more ambitious targets by 2030, to keep the 1.5 C goal achievable. Robust action plans to reduce emissions and firm commitments are expected by all parties.
Climate change adaptation is already here as countries and their nationals are adapting to the consequences of climate change around the world. Adaptation actions, strategies and enhancing resilience, especially of the most vulnerable communities have been long discussed and it’s time to establish a common understanding of the areas where coordinated actions are most needed.
Finance is always a topic during any kind of summit, especially for such conferences with global implications, requiring united efforts towards a common goal. As always, the main theme would be the financing of actions and plans promised by the developed countries to the most vulnerable ones and keeping those commitments.
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It will be interesting to follow the progress of the talks and see the ambition level, political will, and commitment of leaders, especially with the current global dynamics lingering in the background.
