Climate Diplomacy

The parties involved in the COP (Conference of the Parties) negotiations primarily include the member states of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). As of COP 21, the following groups and entities were involved:

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1. Member States (Parties to the UNFCCC)

There are 197 parties to the UNFCCC, including:

• Countries (States): All United Nations member states, except the Holy See, are parties to the UNFCCC. This includes major emitters like the United States, China, the European Union (as a bloc), India, Russia, Brazil, and many others.

• Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs): The European Union participates as a single entity, representing its member states.

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2. Observer States

• Holy See: The Vatican is an observer state.

• Palestine: Participates as an observer state.

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3. Observer Organizations

• United Nations Agencies: Agencies like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and others.

• Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs): Entities like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and International Energy Agency (IEA).

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): A wide array of NGOs focused on environmental issues, including Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Climate Action Network (CAN), among many others.

• Research and Academic Institutions: Universities and research institutions that provide scientific data and analysis.

• Business and Industry Groups: Organizations representing the private sector, including those in energy, finance, and industry.

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4. Coalition Groups

These groups represent blocs of countries with shared interests:

• G77 and China: A coalition of developing countries, including China, which negotiates as a group on climate issues.

• European Union (EU): Negotiates as a single entity representing its 27 member states.

• Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS): A group of low-lying and island countries advocating for strong climate action due to their vulnerability to sea-level rise.

• Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Countries recognized by the UN as needing special attention due to their low levels of economic development.

• Umbrella Group: A loose coalition of non-EU developed countries, including the United States, Japan, Russia, Canada, Australia, and others.

• African Group: Represents the interests of African countries.

• Arab Group: Represents the interests of Arab countries, particularly around oil and energy issues.

• Environmental Integrity Group (EIG): A group of countries including Mexico, Switzerland, South Korea, and others that advocate for strong environmental protection.

• Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs): A group of developing countries including India, China, and others that push for equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

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5. Special Observer Roles

• Youth and Indigenous Peoples: Groups representing youth and indigenous communities also participate in the negotiations, often through designated observer status.

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6. Non-State Actors

• Business and Industry Leaders: CEOs and other representatives from various industries, particularly those related to energy, transportation, and finance.

• Civil Society: Representatives from various civil society groups, including environmental activists, labor unions, and others.

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7. Other Participants

• Heads of State and Government: Often, high-level segments of COPs include speeches and participation from Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other senior officials.

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The list of participants varies from year to year, but the core structure of state parties, observer states, and observer organizations remains consistent.