Carbon footprint concerns during COP29
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is designed to encourage urgent, cooperative efforts to combat climate change. Yet, these events draw thousands of participants—many without direct involvement in policy negotiations—who travel from around the globe, generating considerable carbon emissions. This environmental impact, largely from air travel, directly contradicts the summit's core mission. Air travel ranks among the highest per-capita CO2 emitters, and when multiplied by thousands of attendees, the resulting carbon footprint is substantial.
Having attended COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, I witnessed the powerful convergence of leaders, activists, NGOs, and stakeholders unite in addressing the urgent climate crisis. Yet, amidst the bustling crowds, I could not help but notice a paradox: a conference dedicated to reducing carbon emissions was contributing significantly to the global carbon footprint. Are these large-scale gatherings truly essential, or is it time to rethink the structure of climate conferences to ensure they align more closely with the carbon-conscious values they aim to promote?
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Attendance at COP varies widely, with participants ranging from high-level negotiators to grassroots activists, media, corporate representatives, and so forth. While diversity in representation is valuable, not all attendees are directly engaged in decision-making or policy influence. At COP27, it was clear that many were observers or members of organisations without a role in shaping policy. Limiting attendance to essential personnel—those directly involved in negotiations, policymaking, and implementation—could streamline the conference, reduce emissions, and still capture the diverse voices essential to the process. Lead negotiators, technical advisors, and heads of key organisations could represent varied perspectives without the need for thousands of participants, thus reducing the overall environmental footprint.
The carbon impact of COP conferences extends beyond travel. Host cities invest heavily in infrastructure, accommodations, and energy resources to accommodate large numbers of attendees. Local transportation, energy usage, and food and waste management also add to the carbon footprint. Reports allege that this summit has collectively produced tens of thousands of tons of CO2 annually. Hosting a smaller, more focused delegation could significantly reduce these impacts while preserving the event's purpose.
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that virtual and hybrid formats can be effective alternatives for large-scale events. During lockdowns, critical climate discussions and negotiations continued remotely, proving that virtual participation can be meaningful and impactful. By adopting a hybrid model—where essential personnel gather in person and others join remotely—future COPs could reduce their environmental footprint while retaining their inclusivity.
Virtual attendance could also enhance accessibility for groups that lack the resources to attend in person, including grassroots organisations, small island nations, and vulnerable communities. These voices are critical to climate discussions, yet the cost of in-person attendance can be prohibitive. Hybrid models offer a more equitable, sustainable alternative, making it possible for underrepresented groups to participate fully without adding to global emissions.
Another innovative approach to COP reform is decentralisation, which could involve holding regional pre-COP summits. Regional gatherings would allow countries to focus on locally relevant issues and challenges. For instance, Africa-focused meetings could prioritise discussions on climate impacts specific to African ecosystems and economies, while Pacific Island nations could address the pressing issue of rising sea levels. Regional summits would help prepare detailed, context-specific proposals that a streamlined, central COP could review and negotiate. This structure not only allows for in-depth regional planning but also reduces the need for long-distance travel and strengthens alliances on a regional level. The final COP summit could then focus on reviewing cross-regional agreements and refining policies, promoting a globally coordinated yet regionally informed response to climate change.
Adopting a smaller, virtual-friendly model would send a powerful message to the world. It would demonstrate that climate leaders are not only discussing solutions but also implementing them. However, advocates for in-person interaction state that it is essential for building trust and negotiating effectively. While face-to-face meetings do facilitate relationship-building, the same has been achieved in countless other global summits that successfully migrated online. Hybrid models can still allow for limited in-person interaction when necessary.
Another concern is that reducing attendance might diminish diversity. However, virtual platforms can enhance diversity by making it easier for representatives from remote or under-resourced areas to participate. A virtual or hybrid format could amplify the voices of those who are often excluded due to the high costs of travel.
To foster a climate-conscious COP, the use of technology to facilitate high-quality virtual participation, and diverting to energy-efficient facilities, renewable resources, and sustainable practices for any in-person events are recommended. Additionally, the UN should set specific carbon targets for COP gatherings and ensure emissions are transparently reported.
True climate leadership means putting principles into practice. We can no longer justify emitting thousands of tons of CO2 to discuss emission reductions. COP has driven critical progress on climate action, however we need to ensure that the way we convene aligns with our climate commitments. By embracing a decentralised, virtual-friendly COP model, we can reduce emissions, enhance inclusivity, and set a standard for low-carbon collaboration. By adopting regional summits, using technology, and focusing on sustainability, COP can continue to be a force for meaningful change without compromising the planet we are striving to protect.
Musharraf Tansen former country director, Malala Fund & Muslim Hands International
Views expressed in this article are the author's own.
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