What is COP and why is it so important?

Summary

In November 2021, the UK will host COP26, the 26th UN Climate Summit, where leaders from nearly 200 countries will negotiate crucial plans to combat climate change. Following the historic Paris Agreement, nations are required to present their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to limit global temperature rise. With the stakes higher than ever, COP26 aims to solidify commitments, urging countries to phase out fossil fuels and consider the most vulnerable communities impacted by climate change. This summit represents a pivotal opportunity to secure a sustainable future and build a fairer global economy.

Takeaways

• 🌍 COP stands for Conference of the Parties, the world's major climate conference where leaders negotiate climate action.
• 🗓️ The 26th UN Climate Summit, known as COP26, will be held in Glasgow in November 2021.
• 📜 The first COP took place in Berlin in 1995, and the conferences have been held annually, except for 2020 due to COVID-19.
• ✍️ COP21 in Paris (2015) was a significant meeting where 191 countries signed the Paris Climate Agreement to limit global temperature rise.
• 🌡️ The Paris Agreement aims to keep the rise in global temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally limiting it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• 💵 Wealthier nations committed to providing financial and technological support to help vulnerable countries address climate change.
• 📈 COP26 is the deadline for countries to present updated plans for reducing carbon emissions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• ⚖️ Success at COP26 requires countries to not only commit but also to present concrete national plans, policies, and investments.
• 🔥 Immediate cessation of new fossil fuel projects and phasing out coal, oil, and gas are critical to limiting temperature rise.
• 👥 Activist groups like Greenpeace will advocate for the voices of grassroots communities and Indigenous leaders affected by climate change.

Q & A

What does COP stand for and what is its significance?

COP stands for Conference of the Parties. It is the world's major climate conference where leaders from nearly 200 countries meet to negotiate plans for tackling climate change.

When and where was the first COP held?

The first COP took place in Berlin in 1995.

Why is COP26 considered a crucial meeting?

COP26 is crucial because it is the deadline for countries to present their new climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are essential for meeting the commitments made in the Paris Climate Agreement.

What major agreement was reached at COP21 in Paris?

At COP21, 191 world leaders signed the Paris Climate Agreement, committing to limit the average global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?

NDCs are plans developed by each nation outlining their commitments to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to global climate goals, which they are required to present every five years.

What is the current projection for global temperature rise if commitments are not met?

If current emission reduction commitments are followed, global temperatures are projected to rise nearly 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.

What actions are needed to keep temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius?

To keep temperatures below the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit, all countries need to stop new fossil fuel projects immediately and phase out coal, oil, and gas altogether.

How does Greenpeace contribute to COP meetings?

Greenpeace participates in COP meetings to advocate for strong climate action and supports grassroots groups and Indigenous leaders, ensuring that the voices of vulnerable communities are heard.

Why is it important for the Global South to be represented at COP?

The Global South is often the most affected by climate impacts despite being the least responsible for emissions. Their representation is vital to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed in climate negotiations.

What are the potential consequences of inaction on climate change mentioned in the transcript?

Consequences of inaction include unimaginable natural disasters, sea-level rise, and mass extinction of wildlife, with many effects already being felt today.