EBOOK
About
Since their inception, the United Nations Climate Change Conferences-or Conference of the Parties (COPs)-have shaped the global response to climate change. These high-stakes gatherings bring together world leaders, scientists, activists, and policymakers to negotiate the future of our planet. Yet, despite increasing media attention, the inner workings of these forums remain complex and often misunderstood.
As COP30 takes place in 2025, 30 Climate COP Later takes a critical look at the past three decades of climate negotiations. Have these conferences driven real progress? Through the voices of key Canadian figures-diplomats, scientists, NGO leaders, journalists, and policymakers-this book offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on the triumphs, setbacks, and turning points that have defined the COPs.
With firsthand accounts and candid reflections, contributors share personal experiences, pivotal moments, and insights into Canada's evolving role in international climate diplomacy. From historic agreements to missed opportunities, their stories provide a nuanced view of the challenges and achievements of global climate negotiations.
Written for a wide audience-including students, professionals, and anyone passionate about climate action-this book sheds light on the COP process and its impact. As the climate crisis intensifies, it asks a pressing question: Can these negotiations still deliver the solutions we so urgently need?
Thirty times, state delegations from over 190 countries have met in an attempt to curb climate change. Thirty times, the decisions taken have proved insufficient in the face of the scale and complexity imposed by climate change. Thirty times, major compromises have been made-often to the benefit of Western economic models dependent on fossil fuels-by the international community.
Today, scientific forecasts are ever more alarmist, and the essential drastic societal changes that could trigger hope continue to be postponed. Let us be clear: We are slowly approaching, day after day, COP after COP, an apocalyptic scenario worthy of the-worst?-Hollywood movies. This reality is already a fact for certain regions of the world that are not fortunate enough to live sufficiently above sea level or to have the financial, technological, and material resources to protect themselves.
Christophe Aura (Contributor)
Christophe Aura is Senior Advisor for Government affairs and Decarbonization strategy at ArcelorMittal Mining Canada.
Caroline Brouillette (Contributor)
Caroline Brouillette is Executive Director at Climate Action Network.
Miyuki Qiajunnguaq Daorana (Contributor)
Miyuki Qiajunnguaq Daorana is MA Candidate and Inuit youth activist.
Dane de Souza (Contributor)
Dane de Souza is Senior Advisor on Emergency Management at the Métis Nation Council.
Dalee Sambo Dorough (Contributor)
Dalee Sambo Dorough is Iñupiaq Advocate and Lawyer.
Rosa Galvez (Contributor)
Honourable Rosa Galvez is Senator at the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources.
Kate Gillis (Contributor)
Kate Gillis is Senior Policy Advisor of International Relations at the Métis National Council.
Piita Irniq (Contributor)
Piita Irniq is Elder and Knowledge Holder.
Richard Kinley (Contributor)
Richard Kinley was Deputy Executive Secretary at the UN Climate Change Secretariat from 2006 to 2017.
Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk (Contributor)
Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk is Vice-Chair at the Inuit Circumpolar Council.
Alexina Kublu (Contributor)
Alexina Kublu is Elder and Knowledge Holder.
Susie-Ann Kudluk (Contributor)
Susie-Ann Kudluk is National Inuit Youth Council President.
Jean Lemire (Contributor)
Jean Lemire is Quebec's climate change envoy.
Elizabeth May (Contributor)
Elizabeth May is Member of Parliament for the Green Party of Canada.
David Miller (Contributor)
David Miller is Managing Dire
As COP30 takes place in 2025, 30 Climate COP Later takes a critical look at the past three decades of climate negotiations. Have these conferences driven real progress? Through the voices of key Canadian figures-diplomats, scientists, NGO leaders, journalists, and policymakers-this book offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on the triumphs, setbacks, and turning points that have defined the COPs.
With firsthand accounts and candid reflections, contributors share personal experiences, pivotal moments, and insights into Canada's evolving role in international climate diplomacy. From historic agreements to missed opportunities, their stories provide a nuanced view of the challenges and achievements of global climate negotiations.
Written for a wide audience-including students, professionals, and anyone passionate about climate action-this book sheds light on the COP process and its impact. As the climate crisis intensifies, it asks a pressing question: Can these negotiations still deliver the solutions we so urgently need?
Thirty times, state delegations from over 190 countries have met in an attempt to curb climate change. Thirty times, the decisions taken have proved insufficient in the face of the scale and complexity imposed by climate change. Thirty times, major compromises have been made-often to the benefit of Western economic models dependent on fossil fuels-by the international community.
Today, scientific forecasts are ever more alarmist, and the essential drastic societal changes that could trigger hope continue to be postponed. Let us be clear: We are slowly approaching, day after day, COP after COP, an apocalyptic scenario worthy of the-worst?-Hollywood movies. This reality is already a fact for certain regions of the world that are not fortunate enough to live sufficiently above sea level or to have the financial, technological, and material resources to protect themselves.
Christophe Aura (Contributor)
Christophe Aura is Senior Advisor for Government affairs and Decarbonization strategy at ArcelorMittal Mining Canada.
Caroline Brouillette (Contributor)
Caroline Brouillette is Executive Director at Climate Action Network.
Miyuki Qiajunnguaq Daorana (Contributor)
Miyuki Qiajunnguaq Daorana is MA Candidate and Inuit youth activist.
Dane de Souza (Contributor)
Dane de Souza is Senior Advisor on Emergency Management at the Métis Nation Council.
Dalee Sambo Dorough (Contributor)
Dalee Sambo Dorough is Iñupiaq Advocate and Lawyer.
Rosa Galvez (Contributor)
Honourable Rosa Galvez is Senator at the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources.
Kate Gillis (Contributor)
Kate Gillis is Senior Policy Advisor of International Relations at the Métis National Council.
Piita Irniq (Contributor)
Piita Irniq is Elder and Knowledge Holder.
Richard Kinley (Contributor)
Richard Kinley was Deputy Executive Secretary at the UN Climate Change Secretariat from 2006 to 2017.
Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk (Contributor)
Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk is Vice-Chair at the Inuit Circumpolar Council.
Alexina Kublu (Contributor)
Alexina Kublu is Elder and Knowledge Holder.
Susie-Ann Kudluk (Contributor)
Susie-Ann Kudluk is National Inuit Youth Council President.
Jean Lemire (Contributor)
Jean Lemire is Quebec's climate change envoy.
Elizabeth May (Contributor)
Elizabeth May is Member of Parliament for the Green Party of Canada.
David Miller (Contributor)
David Miller is Managing Dire