COP 28: A Quick Look at the Rearview Mirror

PARIS, November 27, 2023 – The journey from COP 21 to COP 28 has been long and winding, marked by both progress and setbacks. However, there is no doubt that the world is moving in the right direction on climate change. Here’s a quick look at the hits and misses from COP 21 to COP 27.

COP21: A New Era of International Cooperation

COP21, the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was held in Paris in 2015. The conference was a major breakthrough, as it was the first time that all countries had agreed to take concrete action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement, which was adopted at COP21, set a goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

COP22: Operationalizing the Paris Agreement

COP22, held in Marrakech in 2016, was a crucial step in operationalizing the Paris Agreement. The conference made significant progress in establishing the rules and guidelines for implementing the agreement, covering areas such as transparency, ambition, and differentiation.

COP23: Building Momentum

COP23, held in Bonn in 2017, was a smaller and more technical conference, but it was still important for building momentum towards implementation of the Paris Agreement. The conference focused on a number of key issues, including the need for increased climate finance, the role of non-state actors, and the need for adaptation to the impacts of climate change.

COP24: Addressing the Gap

COP24, held in Katowice in 2018, was a major turning point. The conference adopted a number of important decisions, including the establishment of a rulebook for implementing the Paris Agreement. However, there was also a great deal of frustration, as countries failed to agree on more ambitious emissions reduction targets.

COP25: A Year of Action

COP25, held in Madrid in 2019, was originally scheduled to take place in Chile, but it was moved due to social unrest in the country. The conference was a year of action, as countries began to develop their national climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

COP26: A Call for Unity

COP26, held in Glasgow in 2021, was a critical moment in the fight against climate change. The conference was originally scheduled to take place in 2020, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COP26 was a call for unity, as countries were urged to work together to address the climate crisis.

COP27: A Focus on Implementation

COP27, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt in 2022, was a focus on implementation. The conference made progress on a number of issues, including the establishment of a loss and damage fund to help developing countries cope with the impacts of climate change.

COP28: A Time for Action

COP28, will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2023. It will be a time for action. Countries will need to come together to make more ambitious emissions reduction pledges and to implement the Paris Agreement in full.