COP HUB
What IS Conference of the Parties (COP)?
COP refers to the United Nations’ annual conference on climate change. In the context of climate change it refers to the 198 countries that have joined the international treaty called the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since its inception in 1992.
The UNFCCC aims to encourage and implement international climate negotiations that “stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.” The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is one of the most notable moments in COP history and is guiding international climate negotiations and emission reduction goals today. Put simply, the Paris Agreement is a legally binding international climate treaty that calls on all signatories to collectively limit global warming to “well below” 2°C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Its 28th meeting (COP28) is scheduled to begin November 30, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. |
Australia & Pacific Climate Reality Leaders with Hon. Al Gore at COP27 in Egypt, 2022.
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WHY IS COP IMPORTANT FOR THIS REGION?
Pacific Nations were instrumental in building consensus for a 1.5°C target and many were amongst the first to ratify the Paris Agreement in 2016. Beyond that Australia, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Pacific Island Countries are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change:
SEA LEVEL RISE, COASTAL EROSION, OCEAN ACIDIFICATION, AND INCREASING OCEAN TEMPERATURESFour impacts that threaten ocean productivity as well as aquaculture and the region’s fisheries and industries. |
INCREASED FREQUENCY OF EXTREMELY HOT TEMPERATURES THAT THREATEN PUBLIC HEALTH AND ECOSYSTEMSParticularly among our most vulnerable populations (outdoor workers, the elderly, and babies). |
INCREASED INTENSITY AND OCCURRENCES OF EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFICRanging from devastating droughts that impact crop yields and land productivity, to ocean-based storms and floods that can damage infrastructure and harm livelihoods. |
While progress at COPs has historically been slow, and the outcomes at many previous COPs have not been up to the standards of the climate action we urgently need, COPs are still crucial in the battle against climate change. Even with time running out, global climate action is a marathon, not a sprint.
WE ARE WORKING AS A GLOBAL NETWORK
How we are strengthening international climate cooperation
REAL AMBITION
We need a global community working together to leave fossil fuels behind. We mobilise advocates and leaders across sectors to push for the most ambitious policies possible to phase out fossil fuels and get us to true net zero by 2050.
TRUE ACCOUNTABILITY
We're out of time for grand statements and empty promises. We work to ensure that leaders make good on their commitments to reduce emissions and support developing nations. Our future depends on it.
COP LEADERSHIP THAT WORKS FOR THE PLANET
Oil and climate don't mix. With the CEO of one of the world's largest oil companies appointed to lead COP 28 in the United Arab Emirates, we shine a light on the inescapable conflict of interest and push for real leadership committed to leaving fossil fuels behind.
REFORMING NEGOTIATIONS
For too long, fossil fuel interests have used outdated UN rules and processes to stall progress at COP summits and beyond. We're working for a new process that can effectively bring countries together to stop global warming and prevent climate catastrophe.
TAKE ACTION & LEARN MORE
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Share our key messages with elected members and decision makers attending COP28. We need World Leaders to keep their promise to limit global heating to 1.5 °C and increase climate ambition before 2030 to reach true net-zero. |
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Climate Reality Leaders trained by the Hon. Al Gore are encouraged to present their ideas and perceptions around what needs to be achieved for this region at COP28 to their organisations, businesses, action and community groups. |
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Join over Climate Leaders across the world in telling G20 Leaders to End the $1 trillion+ handout for fossil fuels signing our petition here. |
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Learn about our global networks commitments to strengthening international cooperation on climate here. |
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Learn about our previous work and resources from COP26 and COP27. |
Climate Reality At COP28 Learn about COPs, COP28 and how leadership can raise climate ambition in Australia and the Pacific by reading our explainer. Join us in asking world leaders to act for strong climate action at COP28.
COP28 in the UAE (November 30 – December 12, 2023) presents a unique opportunity to act together for strong climate action in this region. This explainer will help you to champion climate policy on the road to, during and after COP28. At COP 28 we ask that world leaders of this region, most notably Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand), take immediate actions to protect and safeguard life for current and future generations. |