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What is COP all about?

Published: 5th November 2024
Updated: 6th February 2025

You might be hearing a lot about COP29 at the minute, as world leaders get together for this year’s sustainability conference. Read for key facts and discussion questions to explore with your kids.

What is COP all about?

What is COP?

COP stands for Conference of the Parties and was set up by the United Nations (UN). COP1 took place in 1995, and this year will be the 29th edition, which is why it’s called COP29.

It is a big meeting where world leaders and tens of thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses and citizens go for multiple days of talks and discussions.

COP29 will take place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.

 

What is the goal of COP?

The goal of COP is to find solutions to help protect nature, keep the air and water clean, develop countries in a sustainable way and prevent extreme weather like floods, droughts, and hurricanes that can happen more often because of climate change.

During the meeting, countries will share their plans to cut down on pollution, switch to cleaner energy sources (like solar and wind power), and take care of forests and oceans. They’ll also talk about ways to help communities that are most affected by climate change.

 

Why is it important?

COP is important because it provides a chance for countries to get together to discuss, set goals, find fair solutions and cooperate. Climate change is an issue that can impact everyone so it matters that every country has the chance to be part of the solution.

 

Getty: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan 

What to talk about with your kids…

  1. Why do you think it’s important for countries to meet each year to talk about climate change?
  2. How do you think our lives might be different if we don’t take care of the environment?
  3. If you could make one rule for the whole world to help the environment, what would it be? Why?
  4. How can ordinary people put pressure on governments to take action?
  5. How is climate change affecting us already?

 

Find out more!

To read more insightful pieces that could be discussed with your children, visit the Talking Points section of our website.

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