COP29 - Some information
COP29 - Some information
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As COP29 gets underway in Baku, Azerbaijan (11-24 November 2024) we thought it would be helpful to take stock of the outcome of last year's COP28 and consider the priorities for COP29. We have also included a copy of the COP29 programme, and a general COP FAQs section.
As we read news about the COP over the next two or three weeks, it is worth remembering that for the forty eight poorest countries in the world, the annual COP is the only place they can go to confront the big carbon dioxide emitters. They don't have a seat on the Security Council, nor the G7, nor the G20. These countries have pushed for the agreements to a 1.5°C target and to the Loss and Damage Fund. (Paraphrased from the late Professor Saleemul Huq, former director of the International Centre for Comate Change and Development in Bangladesh)
BBC Inside Science recently asked the question "What is the point of UN climate conferences, and are they really doing enough?" The opinions were mixed, but well worth listening to (28 mins).
cop28 - major outcomes
Loss and Damage Fund: The fund was fully operationalised on the first day of the Dubai summit. It is designed to help climate-vulnerable countries deal with climate issues that are beyond what can be adapted to, including climate disasters. (We've discussed Loss and Damage as part of the reflection God of Justice - money matters).
First Global Stocktake: The conference marked the conclusion of the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement, assessing the world's progress on climate action. It was found that progress was too slow across all areas, prompting a decision to accelerate action by 2030. The next stocktake is due in early 2025.
Fossil Fuels: For the first time, the COP28 agreement included language on fossil fuels, signalling the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era and a transition towards renewable energy sources. Whilst something of a landmark, it was generally seen as leaving some loopholes, including supporting the use of 'transitional fuels' widely understood to mean natural gas. (We've discussed energy as part of the reflection God the Sustainer - the gift of energy).
Renewable Energy: Over 100 countries committed to tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling the global rate of energy efficiency by 2030. (We've discussed energy as part of the reflection God the Sustainer - the gift of energy).
Interested in some further reading? There are more comprehensive summaries on the UN Climate Change, World Resources Institute, and World Economic Forum websites.
priorities for cop29
Climate Finance: COP29 is being referred to as the 'finance COP' due to its emphasis on mobilising financial resources for climate action. A major goal is to establish a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to replace the previous $100 billion target set in 2009, but only met in 2022. The new target aims to be more effective at aligning finance with global needs.
Loss and Damage: After the milestone agreement on Loss and Damage at last year's COP, there now needs to be a clear process established for responding to Loss and Damage. (We've discussed Loss and Damage as part of the reflection God of Justice - money matters).
Carbon Markets: There's a lot of work to do to enable the establishment of better quality carbon markets through reviewable bilateral agreements and a centralised multilateral marketplace.
Transitions: COP28 outcome saw unprecedented global commitments to transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency, build resilient food systems and accelerate low-carbon transportation, among others. At COP29, countries must hold themselves accountable for making progress on those aims. (We've discussed Just Transitions as part of the reflection God of Justice - just transitions are important).
There are more comprehensive summaries on the Global Finance, World Resources Institute, and World Economic Forum websites, and of course on the COP29 hosting nation’s website and the United Nations COP29 web space.
Headline
"As climate impacts intensify globally, the Emissions Gap Report 2024: No more hot air … please! finds that nations must deliver dramatically stronger ambition and action in the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions or the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal will be gone within a few years." (Find the report here).
the cop programme - november 2024
Mon 11: COP29 Opening
Tue 12: World Leaders Climate Action Summit
Wed 13: World Leaders Climate Action Summit
Thu 14: Finance, Investment and Trade
Fri 15: Energy / Peace, Relief and Recovery
Sat 16: Science, Technology and Innovation / Digitalisation
Sun 17: Rest Day and no thematic programming
Mon 18: Human Capital / Children and Youth / Health / Education
Tue 19: Food, Agriculture and Water
Wed 20: Urbanisation / Transport / Tourism
Thu 21: Nature and Biodiversity / Indigenous People / Gender Equality / Oceans and Coastal Zones
Fri 22: Final negotiations
some cop faqs
Every time we put a prayer resource together, we have to remind ourselves about the answers to some basic practical questions about COPs. This year we've gathered them together in one place. We hope they're of use to some. (And in the interest of transparency, we've relied heavily on AI bots for this section, but have included source links).
What is a COP?
A COP (Conference of the Parties) is the supreme governing body of an international agreement (convention). The parties are the individual countries that have signed and ratified the agreement, and the purpose of the COP is to oversee the implementation of the convention (more detail here).
COPs are primarily associated with environmental agreements e.g. climate change, biological diversity and combatting desertification. COP29 is the 29th conference for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (see below).
What is the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)?
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty with the primary objective to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The treaty was adopted in 1992 and the UNFCCC entered into force on 21 March 21 1994.
Who are the parties to the UNFCCC?
The parties are the individual countries that have signed and ratified the agreement. the All 193 United Nations member states are parties to the UNFCCC plus some 'extras' (more detail here). The extras include:
The European Union: As a regional economic integration organization.
UN General Assembly observers: Like the State of Palestine and the Holy See (Vatican City).
UN non-member states: Such as Niue and the Cook Islands.
What are the key concerns of the UNFCCC?
The key concerns of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) centre around addressing climate change and its impacts (more detail here and here). For example:
Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming: The UNFCCC aims to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous human interference with the climate system.
Adaptation: Helping countries adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, especially those most vulnerable. This includes developing strategies to cope with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and other climate impacts.
Climate finance: Mobilising financial resources to support climate action, particularly in developing countries. This involves providing funds for mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Technology transfer: Facilitating the transfer of climate-friendly technologies to developing countries to help them transition to low-carbon economies.
Capacity building: Enhancing the capabilities of developing countries to tackle climate change effectively. This includes providing training, resources, and support to implement climate policies and actions.
What is the role of the COP host country?
The key responsibilities of COP host country include (more detail here and here):
Providing infrastructure: premises, equipment, utilities, and services.
Presidency: The host country's senior government official usually serves as the COP President, leading the conference and facilitating negotiations.
Engagement and cooperation: The host country engages with other governments at various levels (ministerial, head-of-delegation, and technical) to promote cooperation and ensure a successful COP.
Logistics and organisation: The host country organises the logistics of the conference, including accommodation, transportation, and security for delegates.
Who decides the themes for each day at a COP?
The themes for each day at a COP (Conference of the Parties) are typically decided by the host country, in consultation with other parties and relevant stakeholders. The host country, as the COP Presidency, plays a significant role in shaping the agenda and organizing the daily themes to ensure a productive and focused conference (more detail here).
What business is common to every COP?
Every COP (Conference of the Parties) typically involves several common elements (more detail here):
Negotiations: Parties engage in discussions and negotiations on key climate issues, such as emission reductions, climate finance, and adaptation measures.
High-Level Segment: World leaders, ministers, and other high-level officials deliver speeches and participate in roundtable discussions.
Side Events: Workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions organized by governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices.
Exhibitions: Displays showcasing climate-friendly technologies, projects, and initiatives.
Adoption of Decisions: Parties adopt decisions and resolutions to advance the implementation of the UNFCCC and its related agreements.
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