Dr Mosunda Mumba, Professor David Victor, and Adil Najim join the host to discuss how COP, the world's biggest climate conference, works and its impact. They cover the importance of international cooperation, the role of journalists, the evolution of COP, and measuring progress in tackling the climate crisis.
COP is an annual meeting where representatives negotiate and develop a global plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
COP brings together diverse stakeholders, including politicians, scientists, businesses, activists, and civil society, to discuss climate change, but achieving equal representation remains a challenge.
Deep dives
What is COP?
COP, or the Conference of the Parties, is an annual meeting where representatives from around the world gather to negotiate and come to an agreement on how to adapt and limit climate change. This conference is organized by the United Nations and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop a global plan. Countries make pledges, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. COP provides an opportunity to assess progress, update commitments, and discuss the best strategies to tackle climate change.
The Importance of Inclusivity at COP
COP brings together various stakeholders, including politicians, negotiators, climate scientists, businesses, activists, and civil society, to address climate change. The presence of civil society, including indigenous groups, faith leaders, and ordinary people, is crucial in ensuring diverse perspectives and voices are heard. However, achieving equal representation remains a challenge, as smaller countries often have fewer negotiators compared to larger blocks like the European Union. Side events during COP have become an essential part, allowing commitments and collaborations between governments, businesses, and organizations to address climate change.
Measuring Progress and Impact of COP
While there are criticisms and limitations of COP, it remains the only international negotiation on climate change. COP has contributed to reducing global warming trends from the predicted four to five degrees Celsius increase to around two and a half degrees Celsius. Although this is still inadequate, it signifies progress. COP brings attention to climate change, encourages policy changes, and holds countries accountable for their commitments. Despite its flaws, COP plays a crucial role in fostering global cooperation, raising awareness, and bringing together different stakeholders to work towards combating climate change.
It's the world's biggest - and most controversial - climate conference. But how does it actually work? And does it make a difference? Jordan Dunbar investigates.
To help get some simple answers to simple questions, Jordan is joined by climate experts-
Dr Mosunda Mumba, Secretary General of the Wetlands Convention
Professor David Victor of Innovation and Public Policy University of California, San Diego, USA
Adil Najim, Professor of International Relations and Environment at Boston University's Pardee school in the United States.
Check out the other explainers in these series including – ‘What Is Climate Change?’ and ‘Why Is 1.5 Degrees Important?’
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