Conference of the Parties
The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) took place from 11 to 22 November in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Since the mid-1990s, the United Nations has been bringing together a ‘Conference of the Parties’ or COP, to convene almost every country from around the world for annual climate summits.
In November, world leaders, as well as civil society, business and concerned citizens, will convene in Dubai to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Latest Developments
To hear experts provide context and on-the-ground COP29 updates, follow the Climate Talks podcast.
COP29: The wash-up
COP29 in Azerbaijan provided some progress on global climate action, particularly climate adaption finance. Many critics from developing and small island nations argue, however, that it was not enough. Negotiations were contentious at this UN climate conference, and seemingly obscure to those of us following from abroad.
University experts Jacqueline Peel, Janine Felson and Kate Coleman, who were on the ground for the negotiations in Baku, will provide their insights on what moved global climate policy forward, what held it back, and where that leaves our climate goals moving forward.
Professor Jacqueline Peel was on the ground at COP29, providing updates on the latest developments from the UN Climate Conference.
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COP29 wrap-up: Urgent finance needs stall in Baku
Emerging climate researchers from the University of Melbourne give us their read on the success (or otherwise) of the UN climate conference.
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Here’s what was – and wasn’t – achieved at the COP29 climate talks
The petroleum-laden dust has settled on this year’s United Nations climate summit, COP29, held over the past fortnight in Baku, Azerbaijan.
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Crunch time at COP 29 requires a new deal
Dubbed the ‘Finance COP’, the 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties needs to set a positive vision matched with capital and action to meet sustainability goals.
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What can we expect at the COP29 Climate Conference?
Hopes for ambitious outcomes at COP29 are not high. But this does not mean the summit is insignificant. Time is literally running out for action to keep temperatures within the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 °C threshold.
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COP28 wrap up: Some positives but fossil fuel phase out remains elusive
We asked the next generation of scientists, policymakers and activists – our graduate researchers – for their reflections on COP28.
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Indigenous knowledge has the power to help address the climate crisis
At COP28, Indigenous leaders argued for governments to heed the recommendations of UN climate and biodiversity experts and work with Indigenous peoples, who have lived in balance and harmony with nature for thousands of years.
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COP28: Health is finally on the agenda
As global leaders gather in Dubai for COP28, health has finally landed firmly on the climate change agenda, with the first “health day” at the annual UN climate summit taking place on 3 December.
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The Australia Universities Accord cannot ignore climate change
COP28 is a reminder that higher education needs a mandate to combat the climate crisis and support the planet.
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On the ground and hoping ambition triumphs at COP28
What’s expected to happen at COP28 and will it really deliver more ambitious national policies to reduce emissions when its being hosted in one of the world’s largest oil producers?
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COP28: How will Australia navigate domestic climate wins and fossil fuel exports at the negotiating table?
As the COP28 climate summit gets underway, Australia’s climate minister Chris Bowen will detail our progress in meeting emissions cut targets and updated projections.
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COP28 is a global stocktake of climate change
University of Melbourne experts give their thoughts on what they hope will be achieved at COP28 in Dubai over the coming fortnight.
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What is a ‘just’ transition to net zero - and why is Australia struggling to get there?
To lift its climate game, Australia needs a mission-oriented, whole-of-government approach, built on what is known as a “just transition”.
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Human rights law and climate change adaptation
Supporting climate adaptation for vulnerable peoples is not just a matter of ‘aid’ but rather a legal obligation that must be met.
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Communication and education to mobilise global climate action
Evidence-informed strategies for promoting global climate literacy and action are essential for addressing the climate crisis.
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Australia’s climate pledges among weakest heading into COP28
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Lancet Countdown 2023 Report reveals the human cost of climate inaction
2023
- 30 November – 12 December
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COP28, Dubai
- 13–15 October
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IMF/World Bank Fall meeting, DC
- 10 October
- 12–30 September
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UNGA78 + UN climate summit, New York
- 9–10 September
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G20 Leaders Summit
- 5–15 June
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UN Climate Conference, Bonn
- 23 May
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Australian Federal Budget
- 19–21 May
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G7 Leaders Summit
- 21–23 April
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IMF/World Bank Spring meeting
- 14–21 March
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IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report
- 16–20 January
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World Economic Forum
2022
- 20 November 2022
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CO27 Closing Plenary is delivered with breakthrough on loss and damage
- 6–18 November 2022
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COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
- 30–31 October 2022
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G20 Leaders’ Summit, Bali, Indonesia
- 13–27 September 2022
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United Nations General Assembly in New York
- 1 September 2022
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IPCC ARC6 Full Synthesis report publication
- 3–10 July 2022
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NAIDOC Week
- 27 June–1 July 2022
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Oceans Conference in Lisbon, Portugal
- 26–30 June 2022
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World Urban Forum in Katowice, Poland
- 26–28 June 2022
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G7 Leaders’ Summit Meeting, Germany
- 2–3 June 2022
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Stockholm 50+ to commemorate the 1972 UN Conference on the Environment and 50 years of global environmental action, in Stockholm, Sweden
- 20 May 2022
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World Meteorology Day
- May 2022
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Australian Federal Election
- 25 April–8 May 2022
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COP15 Convention on Biological Diversity (Pt 2) in Kunming, China
- 4 April 2022
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IPCC Working Group III – Mitigation report publication
- 28 February 2022
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IPCC Working Group II – Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability report publication
2021
- 1-12 November 2021
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COP26 in Glasgow
- 30-31 October 2021
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G20 Leaders' Summit in Rome, Italy
- 15 October 2021
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G20: Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors
- 11-15 October 2021
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Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP 15
- October 2021
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Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit
- October 2021
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2020 Biennial Assessment Presentation (UNFCCC)
- 30 September 2021
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‘Pre-COP’ in Milan, the final official ministerial meeting ahead of the COP.
- 28 September - 2 October 2021
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‘Pre-COP’ in Milan, the final official ministerial meeting ahead of the COP.
- 28-30 September 2021
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‘Youth4Climate: Driving Ambition’ to bring together youth delegates ahead of the Pre-COP in Milan.
- 24 September 2021
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High-level Dialogue on Energy; SDG Action Zone, climate day
- 23 September 2021
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Security Council Open Debate on Climate and Security
- 14-30 September 2021
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UN General Assembly (UNGA)
- 17, 31 August & 1 September 2021
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Informal meeting on Loss and Damage
- 7 August 2021
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Monday’s IPCC report is a really big deal for climate change. So what is it? And why should we trust it?, writes Professor David Karoly in the Conversation.
- 25-26 July 2021
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Incoming COP 26 Presidency's July Ministerial
- 9, 11, 22-23 July 2021
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G20: Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors, International Conference on Climate Change, Environment Ministers, Climate & Energy Ministers
- 23, 28, 29 June & 7-9 July 2021
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Informal meeting on the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage, Informal meeting on oceans and climate, Informal ministerial consultations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Informal Presidency workshop on the Global Goal on Adaptation
- 23 June 2021
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'Net zero by 2050? Even if Scott Morrison gets the Nationals on board, hold the applause', Senior Research Fellow Peter Christoff writes in the Conversation.
- 11-13 June 2021
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G7 leaders convene at the Cornwell Summit aiming to build back better from COVID-19 and generate momentum towards a greener future.
- 31 May - 17 June 2021
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UN Climate Change Conference (Virtual)
- 19 May 2021
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Informal Presidency workshop on the Global Goal on Adaptation
- 17-21 May 2021
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Watch MCF Director Prof Jackie Peel’s on-demand presentation at ClimateExp0 ‘Investor Leadership on Climate Change? Signs of building momentum in Australia’.
- 6-7 May 2021
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12th Petersberg Climate Dialogue
- 26 April 2021
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Informal meeting on the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage
- 23 April 2021
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US President Joe Biden’s Leaders Summit on Climate Change. See reflections from MCF Director Prof Jackie Peel here: ‘Five Things We Learned from the Biden Climate Summit’.
- 23 March 2021
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Watch the videos from MCF's launch event here.
Resources
At COP27, Melbourne Climate Futures, in partnership with the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) presented Adaptation priorities in the Indo-Pacific and Africa: Co-designed knowledge and solutions.
The session explored key adaptation needs, priorities and options in Africa and the Indo-Pacific region. It highlighted the importance of adaptation and just transition, dangers of loss and damage, and urgent need to increase action and support for both, including through co-designed hubs.
Speakers: Aromar Revi, Indian Institute for Human Settlements; Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, Republic of Marshall Islands; Jessica Omukuti, University of Oxford; Yvonne Githiora, University of Nairobi; Kathryn Bowen, University of Melbourne; Janine Felson, University of Melbourne.
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (‘COP26’) took place from 1-12 November 2021, hosted by the United Kingdom in Glasgow.
Climate Reality Project resources:
- COP28 Explainer and key messages
- 24 Hours of Reality on the Ground at COP28
- COP 101 recorded event for background on COPs and the road ahead
- Tell G20 leaders to end the more than $1 trillion handout for fossil fuels