With COP26 about to begin, it’s worth reminiscing over the biggest and best achievements of the initiative so far. There’s plenty to shout about.
I’m sure that you’ve probably heard of COP 26 by now, the latest climate change summit between major world leaders set to take place from the end of October into November. It’s a long running event that usually takes place annually – though we’ve had a two-year break thanks to the pandemic.
COP26 is especially important considering the urgency of the climate crisis. America’s climate envoy John Kerry has called it the ‘last best hope’ for the world to get it together, and a serious test of global citizenship to reduce emissions rather than increase them.
With corporate sponsorships grumbling at the apparent lack of co-ordination this year, let’s take a look at some of the biggest milestones in COP’s history. Let’s hope we can add to this list by the end of 2021.
Here’s a quick look at some of the biggest moments from previous COPs. You can also check out more information on the Active Sustainability website.
COP 1, Berlin 1995: The very first summit saw major countries and world leaders officially agree to meet every year to discuss climate change and limit emissions. It was a start – though emissions have yet to be fully controlled.
COP 3, Kyoto 1997: This meeting saw the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, which promises to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in industrialised countries. In addition, it established the foundation of the carbon market.
COP 13, Bali 2007: The Kyoto Protocol to be replaced by the Bali Roadmap, which includes all countries, not just developing industrialised ones.
COP 15, Copenhagen 2009: Keeping global temperature increases below two degrees becomes official. Richer nations also pledge to finance developing countries long-term.
COP 16, Cancun 2010: The Cancun Agreements formalises previous commitments set out in Copenhagen. The Green Climate Fund is also created.
COP 17, Durban 2011: All countries agree to start reducing emissions. This includes the US, Brazil, China, India, and South Africa. A global agreement that comes into force in 2020 was introduced.
COP 18, Doha 2012: The Kyoto Protocol is extended until 2020. This was not supported by the US, China, Russia, or Canada.
COP 20, Lima 2014: All countries agree to develop and share their commitment to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases for the first time.
COP 21, Paris 2015: The Paris Agreement adopted by all to keep global warming below 2 degrees and continue to limit overall temperatures to 1.5 degrees.
COP 22, Marrakesh 2016: Three documents came from this year’s COP as the Paris Agreement came into force. First was the Marrakesh Action Proclamation, a political supporting of the Paris Agreement as Trump’s presidency loomed. Second was the Marrakesh Partnership to strengthen climate collaboration leading up to 2020, and the third was the first meeting of the CMA, a new decision-making body for the Paris Agreement.
COP 23, Bonn 2017: Progress was made on how the Paris Agreement will work in practice. A new process allowing countries to share experiences and good practices called the Talanoa Dialogue was created. A Gender Action Plan was also brought in to ensure women were involved in decisions relating to climate change solutions.
COP 24, Katowice 2018: IPCC publishes a report two months before the summit that analyses the impact of a 1.5 degree global temperature increase, pushing for greater urgency to reduce emissions.
I’m Charlie (He/Him), a Senior Remote Writer at Thred. I was previously the Editor at Thred before moving to Bristol in 2024. As a music and gaming enthusiast, I’m a nerd for pop culture. You can find me curating playlists, designing article headline images, and sipping cider on a Thursday. Follow me on LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
Scientists recently uncovered a vast hidden groundwater system beneath Antarctica’s ice that could potentially change how we understand and predict rising sea levels.
For a long time, experts around the world hypothesised the possible existence of deep groundwater beneath the ice sheet.
However, there was no direct evidence or detailed mapping to confirm this. The Antarctic hydrological system was known to include shallow lakes, rivers, and waterlogged sediments beneath the ice,...
The European Union has proposed a new fee on billions of small parcels that are sent directly to people’s homes. This extra two-euro charge would largely affect parcels sent from China on fast-fashion platforms like Shein and Temu.
A new tax has been proposed by the European Union that would stop packages worth less than £126 from being customs-free.
Instead, an additional two-euro charge would be applied to small packages...
After a lengthy legal battle with wealthy landowner, Alexander Darwall, the right to roam, picnic, and camp in Dartmoor National Park has been reinstated by the Supreme Court.
Earlier today, the Supreme Court made the decision to fully reinstate the ‘Right to Roam’ within Dartmoor National Park. The decision comes after a two-year-long court process in which Alexander Darwall, the multi-millionaire hedge fund manager and landowner, pursued the case first...
West African nonprofits allege that major Universal Music Group stakeholder Vincent Bolloré has built his fortune through abusive practices in the region. They’re urging the label’s artists to do their research before making charitable donations.
Universal Music Group (UMG) represents some of the world’s biggest artists today, including Kendrick Lamar, his buddy Drake, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Rhianna.
Many of the music corporation’s global names, past and present, have travelled...
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok