Indigenous women and frontline communities share stories at COP25 of defending against climate change in Nepal and Chile.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) began in March 1994. Today, it has near-universal membership. The 197 countries that have ratified the Convention are called Parties to the Convention. The ultimate objective of the Convention is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations “at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human induced) interference with the climate system.” Such a level should be achieved within a time-frame sufficient to sustain that food production and economic development.[1]
What is the Conference of the Parties (COP)?
The COP is the decision-making body of the UNFCC. All States that are Parties to the Convention are represented at the COP gatherings, at which they review the implementation of the Convention and any other legal instruments that the COP adopts and take decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the Convention
History of the COP
The COP meets every year, unless the Parties decide otherwise. The first COP meeting was held in Berlin, Germany in March, 1995. The COP meets in Bonn, the seat of the secretariat, unless a Party offers to host the session. Just as the COP Presidency rotates among the five recognized UN regions – that is, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe and Others – there is a tendency for the venue of the COP to also shift among these groups.
Current COP
Egypt will be the host of the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, with a view to building on previous successes and paving the way for future ambition. In 2022, COP27 will happen November 6-18. Along with world leaders, many other people turn out for the annual event, including representatives from faith and environmental groups, scientists, business professionals and others who are concerned about humans’ impact on climate change.
COP and The PC(USA)
COP27 Stories
COP27 Presidency Thematic Vision Program
What is the Egypt climate conference and why is it important?
PC(USA) Delegation to Attend COP27
Presbyterians Concerned About Global Warming Headed to UN Climate Conference in Egypt
COP27: The struggle for climate justice
Disagreement on Loss and Damage Delayed Start of COP27 Agenda
COP27 Begins With Hope for Concrete Outcomes
Faith Leaders for Climate Justice
Interfaith Gathering in the Spirit of Talanoa Dialogue
The Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue call to COP 27
Caretakers of Everything: Indigenous Wisdom
Presbyterian Leaders Join Call for Higher Ambition at COP27
A Reflection on Loss and Damage for a Season of Thanksgiving
[1] https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-convention/what-is-the-united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change