Since the inception of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the subsequent landmark Kyoto Protocol, international efforts to address climate change have undergone significant evolution. The post-Kyoto era has been characterized by a series of UNFCCC summits aimed at building upon the Kyoto Protocol’s foundations while adapting to new scientific findings, socio-economic realities, and emerging environmental challenges. These summits serve as pivotal moments for the global community to negotiate and advance collective action on climate change, navigating complex issues such as emissions reduction targets, adaptation strategies, financial mechanisms, and the equitable distribution of responsibilities among nations. As the world grapples with the urgency of mitigating climate change impacts, these summits stand as critical forums for fostering collaboration, setting ambitious goals, and forging pathways toward a sustainable and resilient future for all.
COP 13/CMP 3 – Bali Meet
- During the Bali Summit, governments adopted the Bali Road Map, which included the review of the financial mechanism to fund climate change initiatives.
COP 14/CMP 4 – Poznan (Poland) Summit
- The Poznan Summit saw the launch of the Adaptation Fund, which is financed in part by government and private donors, as well as from a 2% share of proceeds of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) issued under Clean Development Mechanism projects.
- The Adaptation Fund is supervised and managed by the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB), with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) providing secretariat services and the World Bank serving as the trustee on an interim basis.
COP 15/CMP 5 – Copenhagen Summit
- Despite efforts, a legally binding agreement was not reached due to disagreements between developed and developing nations.
- The Summit concluded with the COP taking note of the Copenhagen Accord, a five-nation accord between the US and BASIC countries (India, China, Brazil, and South Africa).
- Developed countries pledged to provide $30 billion for the period 2010-2012 and to mobilize long-term finance of an additional $100 billion annually by 2020 from various sources.
COP 16/CMP 6 – Cancun Summit
- Parties agreed to establish the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to provide financing to projects, programs, policies, and other activities in developing countries.
- The GCF, based in Incheon, South Korea, had the World Bank serving as its interim trustee.
- Additionally, a Technology Mechanism was established to facilitate enhanced action on technology development and transfer in support of mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
COP 17/CMP 7 – Durban Summit
- The governing instrument for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) was approved during the Durban Summit.
COP 18/CMP 8 – Doha Summit
- Governments agreed to work towards a Global Climate Change Agreement and extended the life of the Kyoto Protocol.
- It was also decided that a UNEP-led consortium would host the Climate Technology Centre (CTC), the implementing arm of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism.
COP 19/CMP 9 – Warsaw Summit
- During the Warsaw Summit, the term “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions” (INDC) was introduced.
- Additionally, governments decided to address the “pre-2020 ambition gap,” aiming to bridge the disparity between current pledges and the requirements to limit global temperatures below a maximum average of 2 degrees Celsius.
COP 20/CMP 10 – Lima Summit
- Key outcomes of the Lima Summit included the commitment to prepare National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), the launch of the NAZCA Climate Action Portal with support from the UNFCCC, the initiation of the Lima Work Programme on Gender to promote gender balance in climate-related measures, and the special event UNFCCC NAMA Day (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions).
FAQs about COP Summits and Important Decisions
1. What was accomplished during the Bali Meet (COP 13/CMP 3)?
A: During the Bali Summit, governments adopted the Bali Road Map, which included a review of the financial mechanism to fund climate change initiatives.
2. What significant development occurred at the Poznan (Poland) Summit (COP 14/CMP 4)?
A: The Poznan Summit marked the launch of the Adaptation Fund, which is financed partly by government and private donors and also from a 2% share of proceeds of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) issued under Clean Development Mechanism projects. The Adaptation Fund is supervised and managed by the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB), with secretariat services provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and interim trustee services by the World Bank.
3. What was the outcome of the Copenhagen Summit (COP 15/CMP 5)?
A: Despite efforts, a legally binding agreement was not reached due to disagreements between developed and developing nations. Instead, the Summit concluded with the COP taking note of the Copenhagen Accord, a five-nation accord between the US and BASIC countries (India, China, Brazil, and South Africa). Developed countries pledged financial support, aiming to provide $30 billion for the period 2010-2012 and mobilize long-term finance of an additional $100 billion annually by 2020 from various sources.
4. What was established during the Cancun Summit (COP 16/CMP 6)?
A: Parties agreed to establish the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to provide financing for projects, programs, policies, and other activities in developing countries. The GCF, headquartered in Incheon, South Korea, had the World Bank serving as its interim trustee. Additionally, a Technology Mechanism was established to facilitate enhanced action on technology development and transfer to support mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
5. What significant decision was made at the Durban Summit (COP 17/CMP 7)?
A: The governing instrument for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) was approved during the Durban Summit.
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