Why We Still Need COP: A Call to Action Ahead of COP29 in Baku

The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, better known as COP, often finds itself under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that it’s a bloated process, filled with lofty promises and slow delivery. Others point to the staggering pace of climate change and question whether these international gatherings are capable of meeting the urgency of the crisis.

But here’s the truth: we still need COP. It may not be perfect, but the alternative—doing nothing—is unimaginable. With COP29 taking place from November 11th to November 22nd in Baku, Azerbaijan, it’s important to reflect on what this platform has achieved and why it remains essential to our collective fight against climate change.

Why COP Matters: A Legacy of Achievements

Over the years, COP has driven some of the most important climate agreements in history. While progress hasn’t always been as swift as we’d hope, its achievements remind us of the power of global collaboration:

1. The Kyoto Protocol (COP3 - 1997) The first legally binding agreement that committed industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It set the stage for recognizing climate change as a shared, global responsibility.
2. The Paris Agreement (COP21 - 2015) Perhaps the most significant achievement to date, the Paris Agreement brought almost every country together with the shared goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. This agreement gave us a roadmap, even if the journey has been uneven.
3. Loss and Damage Fund (COP27 - 2022) At COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, the groundbreaking decision to establish a fund to help vulnerable nations cope with climate-related "loss and damage" was reached. This was a long-overdue recognition of the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries.
4. Global Methane Pledge COP26 in Glasgow saw a significant agreement to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030, a critical move considering methane’s high potency as a greenhouse gas.

Each of these milestones, though imperfect in implementation, underscores why the COP process remains critical. Without it, these agreements and the international pressure to follow through simply wouldn’t exist.

Why the Work is Far From Done

Despite these accomplishments, climate change is accelerating. From record-breaking heatwaves to devastating floods and wildfires, the impacts of global warming are now felt on every continent. This urgency can make the slow pace of COP negotiations frustrating to witness.

However, global challenges require global solutions. Climate change is not an issue that respects borders—it’s a collective problem that demands a united response. COP is one of the few platforms where all nations, regardless of their size or wealth, come together to discuss and act on this shared crisis.

Yes, the process can be bureaucratic, and yes, we often wish for faster progress. But progress, however incremental, is still progress. It’s easy to criticize the system, but imagine a world without COP. A world where nations act entirely in isolation, with no accountability or shared vision for the future. That’s not a future any of us want to see.

Why We Need COP29 in Baku

This year’s COP29 in Baku comes at a critical time. The impacts of climate change are worsening, but so are the solutions. Renewable energy technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, climate finance is slowly gaining traction, and global awareness has never been higher.

COP29 presents an opportunity to:

• Accelerate Implementation: Move beyond pledges to measurable actions that reduce emissions, support adaptation, and protect vulnerable communities.
• Enhance Climate Finance: Strengthen commitments to funding initiatives like the Loss and Damage Fund and scale up financial support for developing countries to transition to clean energy.
• Reinforce the 1.5°C Target: Keep the world’s most vulnerable populations at the forefront of negotiations and ensure that this crucial temperature goal remains within reach.
• Strengthen Global Collaboration: In an increasingly polarized world, COP provides a space for dialogue, understanding, and unity.

As we gear up for COP29, it’s important to remember that every single step forward, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture. The road ahead is long, but without gatherings like COP, we risk losing our momentum altogether.

Lending My Support to COP29

This year, I won’t be physically attending COP29 in Baku, but I wholeheartedly lend my support to its mission. Even from afar, I’m encouraged by the discussions, commitments, and partnerships that will unfold over the next two weeks. Events like these aren’t just about the immediate outcomes—they’re about the ripple effects they create across industries, governments, and communities.

For those who are attending, whether virtually or in person, I urge you to stay engaged, stay hopeful, and continue to push for meaningful progress. And for those watching from the sidelines, like myself this year, let’s amplify the message that climate action is non-negotiable.

A Call to Action

We can’t afford to give up on COP. It may be far from perfect, but it remains one of the most powerful tools we have to address the global climate crisis. Each year, it brings together voices from every corner of the world to collaborate, debate, and, most importantly, act.

As COP29 kicks off in Baku, let’s remind ourselves why this matters: because there’s no other planet, no other future, and no other solution but to act together.

Let’s stay informed, engaged, and inspired. The fight isn’t over, and neither is the work we must do to secure a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

Tony Tiyou is the founder and CEO of Renewables in Africa (RiA) is a Clean Energy Company raising Awareness about Renewable Energy in Africa and across the globe.

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