Many experts agree that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Rising temperatures, extreme weather and rising sea levels threaten people and wildlife. To tackle it, countries come together every year at the Conference of the Parties (COP). These meetings aim to support international co-operation and find ways to reduce emissions that cause climate change. However, COP has faced criticism for being slow and expensive and for not delivering enough action. Although supporters argue that international agreements are essential for tackling a global issue, critics wonder whether world leaders are achieving enough to make these meetings worthwhile. So, is COP a waste of time or is it still worth the effort?
Yes – COP is necessary
Many people say COP is necessary because the only way to slow down global warming is if all countries work together to lower emissions. COP has helped to create important agreements that encourage countries to take action. These agreements support countries in making plans to reduce pollution and limit rising temperatures. COP also gives poorer countries, which are often badly affected by climate change, a chance to have their voices heard. The meetings happen every year, keeping climate change in the news and reminding leaders of their promises. Climate expert Bernice Lee has said that, although progress can be slow, stopping COP altogether would make it harder to stop climate change.
No – COP is a waste of time
At COP, countries must agree on decisions, which can be slow. Planned action can be reduced or delayed when countries disagree. Some activists believe there is not enough time for this kind of delay. A new report from the UN Environment Programme has said it’s no longer possible to reach the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (before the widespread use of fossil fuels). Sometimes leaders do not attend or governments fail to keep their promises. At COP30 in 2025, countries agreed on some climate measures but the final deal did not include a clear plan to move away from fossil fuels. In 2021, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg called the conferences “more or less meaningless”.
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