Key experts, including former UN officials, argue that the current COP frameworks are ineffective, urging refined processes and accountability to combat the climate crisis amidst rising fossil fuel reliance by host nations.
Urgency in Climate Reform: Experts Call for Overhaul of COP Processes
Urgency in Climate Reform: Experts Call for Overhaul of COP Processes
Leaders in climate science and policy demand significant reforms to the United Nations’ COP climate talks for effective action against climate change.
In a striking statement, a coalition of leading climate experts, including former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and ex-UN climate chief Christiana Figueres, has declared that the United Nations' COP climate talks are "no longer fit for purpose" and need urgent reform. In a letter addressed to the UN, these influential figures argue that nations hosting future talks should actively support the phase-out of fossil fuels and the establishment of new processes to tackle the escalating climate emergency.
The call for change comes in the wake of recent discussions at COP29 in Azerbaijan, where President Ilham Aliyev publicly lauded natural gas as a “gift from God," deflecting criticism of fossil fuel use. This has raised eyebrows, especially following revelations that officials within the conference were involved in seeking investment opportunities in fossil fuels, which directly contradicts the collective goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite notable advancements in climate policies, including the 2015 Paris Agreement aimed at limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, the slow-moving COP framework has come under fire for its inability to keep pace with the urgent realities of the climate crisis. The signatories of the letter emphasize the need for a more dynamic and effective global climate policy that can catalyze rapid changes necessary for humanity's survival.
Leading climate scientist Johan Rockström noted, “Planet Earth is in critical condition,” calling for a transformation in how climate policies are structured to ensure they can react swiftly to the growing impacts of climate change.
Concerns over the suitability of host nations for COP talks were underscored when it became apparent that Azerbaijan—the latest country to host—had a history of oil-related priorities that might compromise the commitment to advancing climate goals. Former climate chief Figueres emphasized, “At the last COP, fossil fuel lobbyists outnumbered representatives of scientific institutions and vulnerable communities. To achieve an equitable transition, significant reforms are essential to ensure fair representation of those most affected.”
The authors urge the UN to rethink the selection process for COP venues and advocate for smaller, more frequent conferences with transparent accountability for the commitments made by nations. They stress that host countries must prioritize ambitious climate targets to maintain the integrity of the COP process and effectively address the mounting climate challenge.
