COP climate talks aren’t working and need an overhaul, climate leaders say in letter

A group of former leaders and climate experts have come together to criticize the annual UN COP climate talks, stating that they are no longer effective and in need of reform. The open letter was published midway through the current summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, where nearly 200 countries are gathered to discuss climate change issues.

The primary goal of the summit is to agree on a new target for financial assistance to help developing countries adapt to climate change and recover from destructive weather events. However, progress has been slow, with delegates struggling to agree on an agenda and facing challenges related to the future role of the United States under a Donald Trump presidency.

The letter, signed by more than 20 experts including former UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, former Irish president Mary Robinson, and former head of the UN climate body Christiana Figueres, called for a fundamental overhaul of the COP process. They argued that the current structure is unable to deliver the necessary changes at the required speed and scale to address the climate crisis.

Figueres clarified that the intention of the letter was not to dismiss the COP process entirely, but rather to suggest ways to improve it. Other leaders defended the importance of the COP process, stating that it is the only platform where smaller nations can have a voice in climate negotiations.

The recommendations outlined in the letter include streamlining negotiations for faster action, holding countries accountable for their climate targets, and amplifying the voice of science in decision-making. The letter also suggested improving the selection process for COP presidencies to exclude countries that do not support the phaseout of fossil fuels.

Criticism was also directed at the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at the summit, with a record number of lobbyists granted access to COP28 and COP29. Former U.S. vice-president Al Gore emphasized the urgency of taking action on climate change, urging leaders to listen to scientists rather than polluters.

Despite the criticisms, the COP29 presidency’s lead negotiator defended the process, stating that it has delivered results in reducing projected warming and providing financial assistance to those in need. However, he acknowledged that the multilateral process is under pressure and that COP29 would be a “litmus test” for the global climate architecture.

Overall, the call for reform and improvement of the COP process highlights the growing urgency of addressing climate change and the need for more effective and impactful action at the international level.