Here are some key points about the Copenhagen Conference:
- Participation: The conference brought together world leaders, environmental experts, government officials, scientists, and representatives from various interest groups and non-governmental organizations. Around 115 world leaders attended the conference.
- Key issue: The primary focus of the conference was to set binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. Nations aimed to establish a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which was set to expire in 2012.
- Copenhagen Accord: While no legally binding agreement was achieved at the conference, the Copenhagen Accord was produced.
It outlined commitments made by various countries regarding emissions reductions and a pledge to collectively mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to address climate change in developing countries. The accord was not universally adopted by all participating countries.
- Controversy: The Copenhagen Conference faced numerous challenges and was seen as lacking in ambition and decisive action. There were disagreements among developed and developing countries over issues such as emissions reduction responsibilities and financial support. Civil society groups also expressed disappointment with the outcome.
- Significance: Despite its limitations, the Copenhagen Conference contributed to raising awareness about the urgency of addressing climate change on a global scale. Additionally, the Copenhagen Accord laid the groundwork for further negotiation and discussions that shaped subsequent climate conferences and agreements.
In summary, the Copenhagen Conference was part of the international efforts to combat climate change by bringing together world leaders and stakeholders to seek an agreement on binding emissions reduction targets. Although it did not achieve a comprehensive and binding treaty, it did initiate ongoing dialogue and eventual adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015.
