Guide to COP

The Climate COP

The UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (or Climate COP) is the world’s most significant summit on climate change. It is attended by representatives of the countries that have ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – a treaty agreed in 1994 with the ultimate goal of limiting human impact on our climate system. In 2023 this was 197 countries, plus the European Union.

The Climate COP is where countries come together to review the implementation of the UNFCCC. One key task is to monitor each country’s progress towards their individual targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions.

Learn more about the 2025 Climate COP, COP30, in Brazil

The Biodiversity COP

The UN Biodiversity COP is sometimes known as the CBD COP (the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity). It is the world’s most important nature conference, and aims to push forward plans that encourage meaningful action to stop biodiversity loss.

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), was born out of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and entered into force in December 1993. Its objective is to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

From 1994 to 1996, this COP was held annually. A change in the rules of procedure in 2000 means they are now held every two years.

The CBD COP is where countries come together to review the implementation of the Kunmig-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework which was agreed in 2023. It aims to accelerate action and address the key drivers of biodiversity loss and lift the nature agenda. Each country’s individual targets are known as national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs).

Learn more about the 2024 Biodiversity COP, COP16, in Colombia

What is Practical Action’s role at the climate and biodiversity COPs?

At COP conferences, we share real-world insights from communities already adapting to extreme climate events and biodiversity loss. Our staff are often part of national delegations, directly influencing the negotiations. We also advocate for the most vulnerable voices to be heard and for more support and finance to be directed to meeting their needs.

We provide evidence, join public events, engage with the media, and showcase local, nature-based solutions from those on the front lines. We call for a focus on scaling up these approaches so communities can better adapt and cope with ongoing losses and damages.

With deep experience working in South Asia, Latin America, and Africa, we bring diverse perspectives from regions hit hardest by climate change. We are committed to ensuring no one is left behind.

As the climate and biodiversity crises escalate, the global response will shape our collective future. We will keep supporting and scaling solutions that work for people and nature – and continue pushing for finance that truly delivers where it’s needed most.