Conference of the Parties
The 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) will take place from 10 to 21 November in Belém, Brazil.
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.
World leaders, as well as civil society, business and concerned citizens, will convene at COP30 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 COP30 updates, follow the Climate Talks podcast.
COP30 audiograms
The latest updates from University of Melbourne experts on the ground in Belém, Brazil.
What to expect from COP30
Climate negotiations are unfolding in Brazil as we speak. While we await updates from our experts on the ground in real time, we can get some insight into what we might expect to be the outcomes.
Marcele Oliveira, Youth Climate Champion for COP30, Megan Bowman, Director of Centre for Climate Law & Governance and Professor of Climate Law, King’s College London, and Arianna Griffa, Senior Policy Manager – Global, Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, join hosts Jackie Peel and Bek-Markey-Towler to talk about what to expect from COP30.
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Are UN climate summits a waste of time? No, but they are in dire need of reform
A decade on from the Paris Agreement, there’s a growing sense climate summits are disconnected from real-world climate action. This begs the question: are the UN climate negotiations still fit for purpose? Or do they need to be reformed?
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This year’s climate talks saw real progress – just not on fossil fuels
At COP30, progress was made on funding climate finance and adaptation to the changes already emerging. But efforts on ending reliance on fossil fuels faltered in the face of strong resistance by fossil fuel powers.
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COP30 climate pledges favour land-based carbon removal over emission cuts
An analysis of national climate plans warns that countries are failing to carry out core work required to reduce emissions by halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation, and are instead pushing unrealistic carbon removal schemes, such as large-scale tree planting.
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Belém and beyond: Reflections on COP30 and what it means for COP31
Join ICEDS and the COP Universities Alliance for an in-depth webinar unpacking the outcomes of COP30 in Belém and what they mean for the road ahead. Hear directly from experts who were on the ground at COP30 as they share first-hand reflections, analysis, and lessons for Australia’s preparations for COP31.
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From Trump’s wrecking ball to China’s electrifying rise, geopolitics hang heavy over this year’s climate talks
With political headwinds and slow progress, small wonder expectations are low for this year’s global climate talks, which have now begun in Belém, Brazil.
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COP30 must match climate action with political will
Emerging climate researchers are hoping for adaptation funding, fair energy transitions and multilateral agreements that prompt real action at climate negotiations in Brazil.
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University of Melbourne researchers attend COP30
An expert group of University of Melbourne researchers spanning several disciplines will attend the COP30 to provide advice and guidance to global representatives.
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Geopolitics, backsliding and progress: here’s what to expect at this year’s COP30 global climate talks
Climate talks are never easy. But in the absence of a global government to direct climate policy, these imperfect talks remain the best option for coordinating commitment to meaningful action. Here’s what we should keep an eye on this year.
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. With moderation by Kathryn Bowen, University experts Jacqueline Peel, Janine Felson and Kate Coleman, who were on the ground for the negotiations in Baku, provided their insights on what moved global climate policy forward, what held it back, and where that leaves our climate goals moving forward.
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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
COP27: MCF side event
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.