In the realm of political decision making over climate change the “Conference of Parties” is the decision making forum that meets annually under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Since 1994, an annual summit has been arranged at a rotating location, and delegates gather to discuss and shape policies designed to limit climate change. At the end of each COP, a statement or binding agreement is publicly released notifying the outcome of the negotiations and debates held during the summit. 

Sometimes the outcome of a COP will lead to a new agreement or treaty, such as the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 or the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Carbon Market Watch has observer status at the COP and colleagues typically attend the COP to follow discussions, advocate for change and share insights on our research related to the development of UN framework accords.