What Is COP29? Understanding the Annual UN Climate Summit's Purpose

COP29: Learn about the UN's annual climate summit, its goals, and its role in tackling global climate issues and advancing sustainability.

Tens of thousands of attendees from around the world will converge in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, next week for COP29, the annual UN climate summit.

While each summit generates new commitments, plans, and documentation, the purpose of these discussions can sometimes feel unclear.

Here's a breakdown of why COP - short for Conference of the Parties - matters:

Why Is There an Annual COP?

Climate change affects every nation, irrespective of its contribution to the problem, necessitating global solutions tailored to diverse needs.

The 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) initiated global negotiations, emphasizing the distinction between wealthy nations responsible for most emissions and poorer countries disproportionately impacted.

In essence, the talks are based on the principle that industrialized nations, which benefited most from economic growth, should bear greater responsibility for addressing its consequences.

This balance has become increasingly complex as developing nations expand economically and wealthy nations face competing priorities, including conflicts.

What Can a Yearly Summit Accomplish?

The summit serves as a platform for countries to discuss solutions, such as energy policies and financing needs.

World leaders often attend, signaling commitment to UNFCCC goals and ensuring accountability for past pledges.

COP is the culmination of year-round meetings, where representatives build consensus on proposals for approval during the summit.

Is the Process Effective?

While COP aims to advance climate action, it also reassures citizens that progress is being made.

The process has led to emission tracking, significant climate aid for developing nations, and globally supported actions through consensus.

However, progress has been too slow to curb rising temperatures. Since COP began in 1995, emissions and temperatures have continued to climb, leaving the world on track for severe climate impacts.

Proponents argue that the UNFCCC framework remains the best approach to negotiating socioeconomic shifts for limiting warming.

What Can We Expect from COP29?

Key goals for this year's summit include setting a new annual climate finance target, finalizing multilateral carbon credit markets, and securing additional aid for climate-affected countries.

Negotiators will also focus on technical agreements building on past progress, while smaller groups may launch independent initiatives or funding projects.

Corporate stakeholders are expected to announce climate-related investments and deals.

Azerbaijan's Role in COP29

As this year's COP president, Azerbaijan has steered pre-summit negotiations and advocated for ambitious climate actions. The presidency, rotating annually, plays a crucial role in shaping the summit's agenda.

Next year, Brazil will host COP30 as Latin America's representative.

Beyond Formal Negotiations

COP also provides a platform for advocacy, collaboration, and visibility.

Side events bring together activists, scientists, industry representatives, and financial leaders, while public sessions cover topics like ocean health and carbon offset strategies.

The "Green Zone" hosts discussions led by national delegations, nonprofits, and corporations.

While some summits have featured large protests, such as COP26 in Glasgow, recent events in Egypt and the UAE restricted demonstrations to designated areas. Azerbaijan, which limits public protests, is unlikely to see significant civic actions outside the secured conference site.

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Source: NDTV‍