What are the terms of COP29?

Arab Weather - With the launch of the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, attendees will encounter a wide range of topics and specialized terms in climate, energy and global finance issues. Below are definitions of some of these terms, which will be the focus of discussions at the conference.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

This agreement, signed in 1992, represents a commitment by nearly 200 countries to work to combat global warming. The agreement includes a secretariat that works to implement its provisions.

cup (COP)

This term stands for “Conference of the Parties,” the annual summit of the signatories to the UN Framework Convention. This year’s conference is the 29th edition (COP 29) and is being held in Baku, after the Convention entered into force in 1994.

New collective quantitative target

A relatively new term, and central to COP29, it refers to a financial pledge dedicated to climate finance, to support developing countries’ efforts to adapt to climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions

These are individual commitments made by each country to reduce its carbon emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. These contributions must be updated every five years, with some countries set to present new pledges at this year’s conference in Baku.

Global warming

Refers to the continuing rise in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere due to human activities.

climate change

Climate change includes all the effects of global warming, including extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts and floods.

Greenhouse gases

These include gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. Most of these emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels and industrial activities.

Day 1 at #COP29 in Azerbaijan! The stage is set, the energy is high, and over the next 12 days, changemakers from around the world arrive to unite, act, and deliver on the promise of a better planet.

Decisions made here will impact generations to come.

Stay Tuned! @COP29_AZ … pic.twitter.com/KbOfsJr2B2

— Conscious Planet #SaveSoil (@cpsavesoil) November 11, 2024

Paris Climate Agreement

Agreed in 2015 at COP21 in Paris, it aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with the ambition to limit the increase to 1.5°C. The Paris Agreement also includes national commitments that are updated every five years.

net zero emissions

Refers to achieving a balance between the amount of emissions released and the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed through means such as reforestation and advanced technologies.

Loss and damages

An international fund worth $800 million was established in 2023 to help poor countries affected by climate change disasters, and COP29 represents an opportunity to determine how this money will be distributed.

carbon credits

Carbon credits allow countries or companies to offset some of their carbon emissions by investing in emission reduction projects in other areas, contributing to global emissions reductions.

COP29 addresses these terms, focusing on the importance of developing effective policies and strategies to combat climate change and ensure the global achievement of sustainable development goals.

See also:

COP29: Everything you need to know about the global climate conference that started today in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan.. COP 29 Summit kicks off today