Written by: Natasha Dokovska
In the shadow of COP 28, I find myself reflecting on my 18-year journey attending these global environmental conferences. Despite the noble intentions behind the Conference of the Parties (COP) events, a disconcerting pattern emerges — a pattern of grandeur, escalating costs, and, regrettably, minimal results.
From COP 11 to the present day, the scale of these conferences has grown exponentially, drawing participants from across the globe. However, as the numbers increase, so does the disillusionment regarding tangible progress. Despite the heightened resources and attention, the substantive change we envisioned remains elusive.
One can’t ignore the irony that gatherings purportedly aimed at addressing environmental issues contribute significantly to environmental degradation. The environmental cost of transporting over 80,000 participants by air is staggering. The very act of convening to combat climate change leaves an indelible carbon footprint, raising questions about the sustainability of such an approach.
The financial investment in organizing COP events is substantial. However, the returns in terms of concrete outcomes are disproportionately meager. It prompts us to ask whether these funds could be channeled more effectively towards initiatives with a direct and immediate impact on combating climate change.
The lack of mechanisms to hold nations accountable for their commitments made during COP events is a glaring issue. Instances of unmet pledges and unfulfilled targets persist, exposing a critical gap in enforcing compliance. It’s high time we address this gap if we hope to see genuine progress in the fight against climate change.
As we stand at this critical juncture, it’s imperative to reconsider the current approach to COP events. Virtual conferences, with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, could be one alternative. Additionally, a restructuring of the format to prioritize actionable strategies over grand gestures could yield more meaningful results.
In conclusion, the inefficiency of COPs is a pressing concern that demands our immediate attention. As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, we must rethink the effectiveness of our global efforts. It is my hope that this reflection sparks a broader conversation and ultimately leads to a reevaluation of how we approach these critical conferences. The urgency for change has never been more apparent, and the time to act is now.