For the first time, the Conference of the Parties (COP), the main forum for deliberation on the global climate agenda, will be held in Brazil — and in the heart of the Amazon. The meeting that begins this Monday is expected to bring together around 60 thousand people in Belém.
The schedules are expected to last until November 21st, but there is the possibility of extending the event if negotiations get stuck. (learn more in the link at the end of this report)
All 198 signatory countries of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) can participate in the conference. In addition to heads of state and ministers — who already met at the leaders’ summit last week — scientists, activists and representatives of civil society and the business sector usually take part in the debates.
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Furthermore, it is common for countries to organize themselves into groups and coalitions, due to territorial issues or specific agendas. There is, for example, the G77, which unites developing nations.
COP negotiations serve to align global interests around concrete objectives, such as targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, financing mechanisms for climate projects, transition to a low-carbon economy and other global pacts. The COP presidency prioritizes themes, defines objectives and shapes discussions.
Technical debate and agreements
The first week of the COPs is usually reserved for more technical debates, while the second focuses on political meetings and signing of agreements. The ground has already been prepared since the leaders’ summit, which took place last Thursday and Friday.
The goals established at the end of a COP must be consensual, and all countries have the right to vote. Although resolutions of this nature require discussions throughout the year, it is at the conference that the memoranda are usually finalized and signed.
