News and information from the COP27

Logo: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27 website)

The 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - COP27 - will build on the outcomes of COP26 to take action on a range of issues critical to addressing the climate emergency - from urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to building resilience and adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change, to delivering on pledges to finance climate action in developing countries.

In the face of a deepening energy crisis, record-breaking greenhouse gas concentrations and increasing extreme weather events, COP27 seeks a new solidarity among countries to implement the landmark Paris Agreement for the benefit of people and the planet.

Why is COP27 so important from a scientific perspective?

It is highly relevant to follow decision-making processes on climate change mitigation at the global level, because the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) offers the only forum where all countries meet, discuss and agree on how to tackle the climate crisis. This must be done on the basis of the best available science.

Sometimes the process can be disappointing (e.g. neither ambitious nor fast enough). However, it is important to remember that almost 200 countries - each with different preconditions, contexts, needs and interests - have to agree. Apart from the slow pace of negotiations, the discussions and exchanges that take place in parallel to each COP show that climate action has become more comprehensive - though not yet at the required level. Nevertheless, progress is being made.

Moreover, the importance of science in guiding discussions and action has been highlighted, especially during last year's COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. This year, science will also receive a lot of attention as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will present its findings on climate change adaptation (Working Group II) and mitigation (Working Group III) in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Participation in the COP will allow GERICS/Hereon to get the latest update on discussions at the interface between policy and science.