COP Timeline: How climate negotiations have evolved over the years | COP29 Baku Azerbaijan

Summary

2024 is projected to be the world's hottest year, surpassing the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change. The script outlines key milestones in climate negotiations, starting from the formation of the IPCC in 1988 to the 2023 COP28 discussions. Notable events include the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund in 2022, and the ongoing efforts to create more ambitious climate goals. As COP29 approaches, global efforts continue to tackle climate change, emphasizing the need for bold actions to mitigate future impacts.

Takeaways

• 😀 2024 is projected to be the warmest year on record, with temperatures likely to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, raising concerns among scientists.
• 😀 The European climate service's projections underline the urgent need to reduce emissions and switch to alternative energy sources to mitigate further warming.
• 😀 The history of climate talks highlights key milestones like the formation of the IPCC in 1988 and the publication of its first report in 1990, which called for binding emissions targets.
• 😀 The UNFCCC was established to address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation, with the first COP conference held in 1995 in Berlin.
• 😀 The Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, was the first international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities.'
• 😀 Despite not including the U.S., the Kyoto Protocol went into effect in 2005, with at least 55 countries accounting for 55% of global emissions ratifying the treaty.
• 😀 The 2009 COP15 conference in Copenhagen failed to produce a legally binding treaty, but instead pushed for pledges from major countries.
• 😀 COP16 in Cancun (2010) led to the creation of the Green Climate Fund to help developing countries address climate change challenges.
• 😀 COP21 in 2015 saw the adoption of the Paris Agreement, which set a goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C and called for ambitious emission reductions from both developed and developing countries.
• 😀 Climate activism gained significant momentum in 2018 with Greta Thunberg and other young activists leading global protests demanding urgent climate action.
• 😀 The Loss and Damage Fund was established during COP27 in 2022 to address the financial impacts of climate disasters, though COP28 in 2023 focused more on establishing future climate goals.

Q & A

What is the significance of 2024 in the context of climate change?

2024 is projected to be the warmest year on record, with global temperatures potentially exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This represents a major milestone in climate change, highlighting the urgency of addressing emissions and climate-related impacts.

Why is the 1.5°C threshold particularly important for scientists?

The 1.5°C threshold is considered a critical point, as it represents the level of global warming that could cause catastrophic climate impacts, such as severe heatwaves, storms, and irreversible damage to ecosystems.

What actions are needed to combat climate change, according to the script?

The script emphasizes the need to reduce emissions, promote alternative energy sources, and implement loss and damage policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

What is the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

The IPCC, formed in 1988, plays a pivotal role in climate negotiations by providing scientific assessments on climate change and urging governments to adopt measures to limit global warming.

What was the outcome of the IPCC's first assessment report in 1990?

The IPCC's first assessment report in 1990 concluded that global temperatures had risen by 0.3-0.6°C over the past century and called for a global treaty to establish clear emissions targets.

What milestone was achieved at COP3 in 1997?

At COP3 in 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was signed, marking the world's first treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was based on the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' meaning that developed countries had to take greater action due to their historical emissions.

What was the significance of COP15 in Copenhagen (2009)?

COP15 in Copenhagen was significant because it marked an attempt by the US, EU, and BASIC countries to create a global treaty based on voluntary emissions pledges rather than legally binding commitments. The approach was rejected by developing countries.

What key agreement emerged from COP21 in Paris (2015)?

COP21 in Paris led to the Paris Agreement, which aimed to limit global warming to well below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C, with countries making increasingly ambitious emissions reduction commitments known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

What was achieved during COP26 in Glasgow (2021)?

COP26 in Glasgow set a goal to reduce coal use, established rules for carbon credit trading, and included a commitment from the United States, under President Joe Biden, to rejoin the Paris Agreement.

What is the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP27 (2022)?

At COP27 in 2022, the Loss and Damage Fund was established to address the financial costs associated with climate-related disasters, particularly in developing countries, aiming to provide support for climate adaptation and recovery.