Celebrating 30 Years of International Climate Negotiations: The Legacy of COP1 and the Path to Climate Action
Today, we commemorate the anniversary of COP1, held in Berlin in 1995, marking a transformative moment in the journey toward international climate negotiations. Over the past three decades, the Conferences of the Parties (COPs) have emerged as pivotal platforms aimed at addressing the global climate crisis. Their primary purpose is to facilitate international cooperation on climate change, providing a forum for nations to negotiate commitments, share scientific knowledge, and advance climate action.
The Evolution and Significance of the COPs
The COP meetings, which originated from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), have become synonymous with global climate dialogue. Notable COPs that have defined the climate landscape include:
COP3 (1997): The Kyoto Protocol was established, introducing binding commitments for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
COP21 (2015): The Paris Agreement marked a historic turning point, with nations committing to limit global warming to well below 2°C, striving for 1.5°C, and acknowledging the necessity of international cooperation in achieving these goals.
COP26 (2021): Held in Glasgow, this conference highlighted the urgency for countries to renew their commitments and enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to meet the Paris targets.
These pivotal gatherings illustrate the potential of international negotiations to forge agreements critical to our collective endeavor to combat climate change. Their success is partly attributed to the relentless advocacy of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), which has been instrumental in emphasizing climate science, climate justice, and action. As vulnerable nations facing existential threats from climate change, AOSIS advocates for equitable solutions and ensures that their voices resonate in the negotiations.
Progress and Challenges: Acknowledging Treaties and Lobby Influence
Over the last 30 years, international negotiations have birthed three significant treaties, reflecting lifelong commitments towards climate action. As a result of these efforts, the world finds itself on a trajectory toward a potential temperature rise of approximately 2.5°C instead of 5°C or 6°C, showcasing the power of collaborative decision-making. However, this is still a far cry from the critical 1.5°C target required to prevent catastrophic climate impacts.
A considerable barrier to progress has been the influence of fossil fuel lobbies who in recent years have outnumbered almost every national delegation at COPs. Their substantial political investments are well-documented, particularly in the United States, where these interests have sought to sabotage climate initiatives and reshape policies to their benefit. For instance, in 2024, oil interests reportedly injected over $75 million into Donald Trump's campaign, a well-known climate denier. Since January 2025, Trump has taken several measures to disengage from climate organizations and roll back climate actions, including:
Withdrawing support for international climate funding.
Curtailing federal regulations on emissions.
Promoting fossil fuel extraction and usage.
Dismantling environmental protection agencies.
Reducing commitments to renewable energy initiatives.
These steps exacerbate the anger and frustration surrounding each COP, particularly as significant progress remains elusive in light of the urgency we face.
The Path Forward: Beyond COPs and Immediate Action Needed
As we look forward to COP30 in Brazil in November 2025, it's essential to reinforce the necessity of COP negotiations. Without them, we would face a daunting challenge in reinventing global dialogue on climate action. However, the COPs alone are insufficient. Addressing climate change demands a broader focus on the factors driving excessive production and consumption, as well as the urgent need to decarbonize our economies, transition to sustainable agriculture, and implement regenerative and circular systems.
It’s vital to recognize that 1.5°C is not merely a political goal but a fundamental physical limit. The Earth's biophysical boundaries are tangible, and our current lifestyles, intertwined with fossil fuel dependence, directly impact human survival and global biodiversity. As we navigate the critical years ahead, it is crucial to accelerate emissions cuts, shift agricultural practices from being a source of emissions to acting as carbon sinks, and implement carbon dioxide removal strategies realistically.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but through continued dialogue and collaboration at the COPs, we can build a united front to confront the climate crisis. The urgency of our actions today will determine the legacy we leave for future generations and the health of our planet.
🌍 COPs: Are international climate negotiations fit for purpose?
This is the question an expert panel led by renowned international climate experts, including Sir David King, former climate adviser to the UK government, aimed to answer at the Love Your Planet 2025 event in London. The panel dissected the crucial role of international climate negotiations in shaping our future.