The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the annual United Nations climate summit where almost 200 countries meet to review global progress on addressing climate change and negotiate future action under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These annual COP meetings, between the signatories of the UNFCCC, serve as an important tool to address and combat climate change. It is also a chance for academics, charities, organisations, and the public to teach, learn and campaign on the climate.COP30 - 10 - 21 November 2025The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) runs from 10–21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil - the first-ever COP held on the edge of the Amazon rainforest.At this global gathering, countries will come together, alongside scientists, geoscientists, civil-society groups and industry, to review progress on climate objectives, negotiate new commitments and advance the shift to a net-zero, climate-resilient future. The agenda across the two weeks has been crafted to align with COP30's six Action Agenda focus areas:Energy, Industry & TransportForests, Oceans & BiodiversityAgriculture & Food SystemsCities, Infrastructure & WaterHuman and Social DevelopmentCross-cutting issuesTackling the climate and environmental emergencies is one of the University's three core missions and we will be following the outcomes of COP30 and exploring how its decisions, negotiations and scientific underpinnings relate to our work in geosciences, climate, ecosystems and policy. COP and the University of Edinburgh As the world aligns on ambitious climate action in COP30 in Belém, Brazil, we're mobilising research and innovation to turn pledges into progress. Advancing action | Brochure More than 20 academics at the University have contributed to a brochure capturing how Edinburgh is using its research, innovation and thought-leadership to address the issues being discussed at COP30. Find out more Our academics and students taking part in COP30 Academics and students across the University are taking part in the latest United Nations climate change conference, COP30, both in Brazil and on campus. COP Explainer Blogs The COP Explainer series by the Edinburgh Earth Initiative is a great way to learn more about COP and why it mattersWhat is a Climate COP and why does it matterA look back: Key milestones in climate COP historyWhat is a meeting of the UNFCCC Subsidiary bodies?What’s at stake and why COP 30 is a turning point ECCI COP Café The Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) is hosting a COP Café, with live screenings from Brazil and expert discussions.On 19 November from 2pm to 5pm the cafe will host an afternoon of learning and discussion featuring a COP30 explainer, a panel on amplifying local voices, and interactive breakout sessions on key climate themes.Register here Related links COP30 WebsiteUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Website This article was published on 2025-11-14
