The global community is grappling with the existential threat of climate change, and the Conference of the Parties (COP) stands as a pivotal event that unites nations, experts, activists, and stakeholders in the pursuit of sustainable solutions.

The COP is an annual meeting held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where countries come together to negotiate and implement measures aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Since its inception in 1995, the COP has been held annually, with the 28th conference, COP28, marking the most recent. Each COP session brings together representatives from nearly 200 countries, fostering dialogue, negotiation, and the formulation of agreements to combat climate change.

Despite its significance, the Conference of the Parties (COP) has faced criticism, often centered around the pace of progress and the lack of binding commitments among nations. One of the key criticisms involves the disparity between rhetoric and action, with some arguing that COP often fails to translate discussions into concrete, enforceable policies.

Additionally, the influence of vested interests, bureaucratic hurdles, and the challenges of achieving consensus among diverse nations with varying priorities have hindered substantial progress.

Nevertheless, the significance of COP cannot be understated. It serves as a platform for nations to reaffirm their commitments to climate action by showcasing initiatives, sharing best practices, and mobilizing resources for sustainable development.

The Paris Agreement of COP21 in 2015 stands as a landmark achievement, wherein countries pledged to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to strive for a 1.5-degree target. Enhancing the effectiveness of COP requires a multifaceted approach.

By: Daniel Sarkodie Banful