COP29

COP stands for 'Conference of the Parties', which are regular United Nations (UN) conferences on its different conventions (written legal agreements between countries and the UN).   

This year the 29th climate COP (COP29) is taking place from 11th November to 22nd November, in Baku, Azerbaijan. This is the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

COP29 will bring together world leaders to review, agree and hopefully accelerate global action in tackling climate change – both reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and building resilience (mitigation and adaptation).  

In 1992, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was created at the Rio Earth Summit. The ultimate objective of the Convention is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations "at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human induced) interference with the climate system". 

The Convention has now been signed by 198 nations and territories (the Parties). In 2015, Parties signed the Paris Agreement which aims among other things to limit global temperature increase to ‘well below’ 2°C. Each year the climate COPs are held to review progress, make key decisions and negotiate agreements to coordinate climate action under both the UN Framework and the Paris Agreement. 

Last year, COP28 was the first of three consecutive COPs intended to ‘reset’ global climate action – referred to by the UN as the ‘Roadmap to Mission 1.5°C’ - the ambition to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 

At the end of COP28, a ‘global stocktake’ of international action to address climate change was rushed through. This concluded that we are not on track to limit global warming to 1.5°C and set out the global efforts that are needed for this ambition to remain in reach. Read more about COP28 in our blog from last year.   

At COP29 we expect to see a focus on climate finance, including the contentious issue of how to secure enough funds for the necessary global efforts on climate action, as well as how funds should be directed – ie. towards mitigation, adaptation or managing loss and damage due to climate change.    

You can watch our latest COP updates below

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If you’re feeling inspired or looking for ideas for how you can take action yourself, at home, in your community or workplace, have a look at our action pages. We also have resources specifically designed for children and young people too!