What is a Climate COP and why does it matter? 

What is a COP? 

“COP” stands for Conference of the Parties. It is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) — the global treaty established after the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. This treaty was signed by countries that agreed to work together to tackle climate change. 

Each year, representatives of these countries — known as “Parties” — meet to assess progress, negotiate new commitments, and strengthen global action to respond to the climate crisis. The first meeting was held in 1995 in Berlin, Germany. Since then, the COP has grown into the most critical international platform for climate diplomacy.  

What happens at a COP? 

COP meetings bring together governments, civil society, academia, scientists, businesses, activists, and youth. While the heart of the COP lies in formal negotiations — where countries discuss issues like emissions reduction targets, climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage — the event has expanded far beyond negotiation rooms. 

There are now hundreds of side events, pavilions, and platforms where innovators, campaigners, and organizations share ideas, launch initiatives, and cultivate partnerships. These spaces make COP a global marketplace for climate solutions and ambition.  

Why the COP matters 

Climate change is undoubtedly a global problem that no single country can solve single-handedly. Rising temperatures, droughts, floods, and storms affect everyone, but their impacts are felt most strongly and disproportionately by vulnerable communities. COP meetings are where countries come together to coordinate collective action. 

It was at COP 3 in Japan that the Kyoto Protocol was adopted — the first international agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Years later, COP 21 in Paris gave us the Paris Agreement, a landmark accord to limit global warming to 1.5°C. These milestones underscore the power of COP to shape climate ambition. 

People power at the COP 

While negotiations may seem distant, COP is not just for politicians. Youth movements, indigenous communities, faith-based groups, local leaders, and innovators are increasingly shaping the agenda. Their presence ensures that negotiations are not only technical, but also reflective of the true needs and aspirations of frontline communities.  

Through campaigns, side events, and direct advocacy, these groups push for more ambitious action and hold leaders accountable. In many ways, COP reflects both the progress and tensions in the global climate movement. 

• Read Reflections on COP30 and a Look Towards COP31 – Seven months on from COP30, this publication brings together insightful and candid reflections on the COP30 negotiations in Belem, Brazil from academic staff and Earth Fellows and looks ahead towards COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Why you should care 

The outcomes of COP shape national policies, influence global markets, and impact local communities. They determine how fast we transition to renewable energy, protect ecosystems, and build climate-resilient societies. Whether you are a student, a policymaker, a business owner, or a community leader, COP decisions affect your future!  

That’s why initiatives like the COP Café 2026 matter. They help bring these complex global processes closer to people, spark dialogue, and inspire local action. Understanding what COP is — and why it matters — is the first step to becoming part of this global movement. 

COP Café 2026

The COP31 Cafe is an opportunity to engage with COP31 from Edinburgh, explore key climate issues and consider how we can use global discussions to drive local action in our own communities.

Through a series of talks, a panel discussion with professionals and academics, and interactive breakout groups, we will explore four key themes and consider how we can contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for Edinburgh.