“Unlocking Climate Progress: Why Restricting COP Participation is the Wrong Response”

As the world gears up for the upcoming UN climate summit, COP29, there is a growing sense of urgency and frustration at the slow progress towards the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. Calls for reforming the COP process and restricting participation have been gaining traction, with some pointing to the overwhelming attendance at COP28 in Dubai as a reason for concern.

The argument for streamlining the COP process and limiting participation stems from the belief that a smaller, more exclusive group of delegates would lead to more efficient negotiations and decision-making. However, critics of this approach argue that such measures would undermine the transparency and inclusivity of the COPs, particularly for Global South governments and civil society.

Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF’s Global Climate and Energy Lead and former COP20 President, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a broad-based and inclusive approach to the COP process. He highlights the role of non-state actors, such as cities, businesses, NGOs, and Indigenous communities, in driving climate ambition and action through initiatives like the Race to Zero and Race to Resilience.

Pulgar-Vidal outlines the five “rings” of negotiations at the COPs, ranging from the formal negotiations to high-level thematic events, the Action Agenda, pavilions for stakeholders, and bilateral and plurilateral relations between key state actors. He stresses the need for balanced and equitable participation from all stakeholders, including those from least-developed countries and marginalized communities.

While some critics blame the high number of attendees for the slow progress at COPs, Pulgar-Vidal argues that the real impediments to climate action lie in the lack of ambitious targets set by governments and the influence of polluting interests. He cautions against reducing participation at COPs as a solution, emphasizing the need for stronger mechanisms to enforce ambitious targets and commitments.

In conclusion, the debate over the future of the COP process and participation levels reflects the broader challenge of addressing the climate crisis. As the world grapples with the urgent need for climate action, finding ways to enhance ambition and accountability within the COP framework remains a critical priority.