Conference of the Parties

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Emerging climate researchers are hoping for adaptation funding, fair energy transitions and multilateral agreements that prompt real action at climate negotiations in Brazil.

An expert group of University of Melbourne researchers spanning several disciplines will attend the COP30 to provide advice and guidance to global representatives.

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.

Emerging climate researchers from the University of Melbourne give us their read on the success (or otherwise) of the UN climate conference.

The petroleum-laden dust has settled on this year’s United Nations climate summit, COP29, held over the past fortnight in Baku, Azerbaijan.

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.

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.

We asked the next generation of scientists, policymakers and activists – our graduate researchers – for their reflections on COP28.

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.

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.

COP28 is a reminder that higher education needs a mandate to combat the climate crisis and support the planet.

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?

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.

University of Melbourne experts give their thoughts on what they hope will be achieved at COP28 in Dubai over the coming fortnight.

To lift its climate game, Australia needs a mission-oriented, whole-of-government approach, built on what is known as a “just transition”.

Supporting climate adaptation for vulnerable peoples is not just a matter of ‘aid’ but rather a legal obligation that must be met.

Evidence-informed strategies for promoting global climate literacy and action are essential for addressing the climate crisis.