The Copenhagen Summit, also known as the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference, took place from December 7 and 18, 2009, at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. The conference featured both the 5th session of the Conference of the Parties (CMP-5) serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol and the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This article will explain to you about CoP 15 Copenhagen Summit which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

COP 15 - Basic Elements

• There was significant agreement among governments on a variety of key points in the Copenhagen Accord.
• This included the long-term objective of capping the maximum increase in the average global temperature at 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, subject to revision in 2015.
• Additionally, it mentions the need to take into account keeping temperature increases below 1.5 degrees, which was a crucial demand expressed by vulnerable developing nations.
• Other major elements were:

• The pledges made by developed nations to contribute to initiatives aimed at helping underdeveloped nations adapt to climate change's unavoidable repercussions.
• Developed nations committed to providing $30 billion between 2010 and 2012 and to secure $100 billion annually by 2020 in long-term financing from a variety of sources.
• Agreement on the evaluation, documentation, and verification of measures taken by developing countries, including a mention of "international consultation and analysis," which was not yet defined.
• The creation of four new organizations: a technology mechanism, a REDD-plus mechanism, a High-Level Panel within the COP to examine the execution of financial provisions, and the Copenhagen Green Climate Fund.

Why Focus on Climate Change?

• The evidence clearly shows that climate change poses significant risks to the security of the public's health, from extreme weather-related disasters to the broader spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
• By 2050, according to the International Organization on Migration, up to 200 million people could be migrated due to climate change.
• The effects of climate change on human health won't be felt equally everywhere.
• With nearly 1.3 billion people, India already ranks third among all countries in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
• India's cities are quickly urbanizing and bearing the weight of the climate problem, making sustainable cities and employment with healthy communities a top goal.

COP 15 - Copenhagen Accord

• The CoP 15 in Copenhagen failed to reach a legally binding agreement and this was mostly caused by disagreements between developing and developed countries.
• As a result, the conference came to an end with the CoP noting the Copenhagen Accord (a five-nation agreement that includes the US and BASIC).
• The Copenhagen Accord is a non-binding agreement. According to the Accord, significant international emissions reductions are required to keep the rise in global temperature under two degrees Celsius.
• The Accord commits developed nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by a certain percentage by the year 2020.

What are BASIC Countries?

• Four recently industrializing nations—Brazil, South Africa, India, and China—are grouped together as BASIC.
• In November 2009, a Copenhagen agreement led to the formation of the coalition.
• At the Copenhagen Summit, the four nations decided to coordinate their actions.
• These developing countries share a similar perspective on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating the significant funding needed to tackle climate change.
• Because of the magnitude of its members and the fact that they are all becoming economic powerhouses, the BASIC countries group has a lot of clout in international fora.

COP 15 - Key Highlights

• Climate change policy was elevated to the highest political level at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.
• The high-level segment featured nearly 115 world leaders, making it one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders ever held outside the UN's New York headquarters.
• More than 40,000 applicants those representing governments, NGOs, intergovernmental agencies, houses of worship, the media, and UN organizations had also applied for the accreditation.
• It made great progress in the negotiations on the framework required for efficient international collaboration on climate change, including enhancements to the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism.
• Significant strides were achieved in reducing possibilities and making clear the decisions that must be made on crucial subjects later in the negotiations.
• It resulted in the Copenhagen Accord, which made it plain that political action was intended to limit carbon emissions and address climate change in the short and long terms.

COP 15 - Limitations

• The Copenhagen Agreement failed to create a legally binding "instrument," as many industrialized nations had hoped.
• Developed nations continue to call for an agreement that is legally binding and hence verifiable in order to incorporate emerging economies into global GHG reduction efforts.
• A promise to keep global warming to two degrees was made at the Copenhagen Summit. But many of those battling climate change were let down since it didn't lay out clear objectives that would have allowed the globe to stabilize temperatures.
• Developed nations wished for an international review of carbon emission reduction pledges made by nations like China and India.

Reasons for Failure of Copenhagen Summit

• The Copenhagen Summit concluded in late 2009 with only a simple political declaration affirming the need to limit global average temperature rise to no more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels (1750). However, there was no agreement on how to accomplish this in practise.
• It failed to reach an agreement on limiting greenhouse gas emissions, and the issue of establishing a global environmental agency was sidelined.
  • This failure was caused by many developed countries' refusal to adopt stringent emission-cutting targets by 2020, as well as developing countries' insistence on their right to develop their economies.
• The failure in Copenhagen also highlighted the limitations of inter-governmental procedures when attempting to reach global agreement on the management of public assets.
• Neither did the new economic context, defined by the financial and then the economic crises, make the negotiations easier.

Conclusion

The Copenhagen Accord is a reflection of the results of government participation at the highest political level. While the Accord has received a lot of attention, the Copenhagen Conference also made significant advancements in a number of other areas, such as the clean development mechanism, the addition of Malta to the Convention's Annex I, REDD+ guidance, and draft decisions on adaptation, technology, and capacity-building.

FAQs

Q1: What is COP 15?

Q2: What were the main objectives of the Copenhagen Summit?

Q3: What is the significance of the Copenhagen Summit in the context of global biodiversity?

Q4: What major agreements or protocols were established during COP 15?

Q5: How does COP 15 relate to climate change initiatives?

MCQs

1. What year did COP 15 take place?

(a) 2007

(b) 2008

(c) 2009

(d) 2010

2. Which international agreement was a key outcome of COP 15?

(a) Kyoto Protocol

(b) Paris Agreement

(c) Copenhagen Accord

(d) Rio Declaration

3. What was one of the main goals of COP 15?

(a) To establish a carbon trading system

(b) To set legally binding targets for biodiversity

(c) To promote fossil fuel usage

(d) To finalize the Paris Agreement

4. How does COP 15 contribute to climate change initiatives?

(a) By promoting fossil fuels

(b) By integrating biodiversity into climate policies

(c) By eliminating all biodiversity

(d) By ignoring climate issues

5. What was a significant focus area during COP 15?

(a) Industrial development

(b) Public awareness and participation

(c) Military cooperation

(d) Economic growth

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the impact of COP 15 on global biodiversity policies.

Answer: The COP 15 summit significantly influenced global biodiversity policies by establishing a platform for international dialogue and commitment towards biodiversity conservation. The summit's outcomes emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat biodiversity loss, which is crucial for sustaining ecosystems and human livelihoods. The adoption of the Copenhagen Accord reflected a collective acknowledgment of the interlinkages between biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development. As a result, many countries began integrating biodiversity considerations into national policies and frameworks, leading to the establishment of protected areas and biodiversity strategies. The impact of COP 15 continues to resonate in contemporary biodiversity initiatives, fostering a global commitment to preserving natural habitats and species, which is vital for the planet's health and resilience against climate change.

Q2: Discuss the relationship between biodiversity conservation and climate change as highlighted by COP 15.

Answer: COP 15 underscored the intrinsic link between biodiversity conservation and climate change, emphasizing that healthy ecosystems play a critical role in climate resilience. Biodiversity contributes to various ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water filtration, and soil fertility, which are essential for mitigating climate impacts. The summit highlighted that the loss of biodiversity can exacerbate climate change effects, leading to a vicious cycle of environmental degradation. By integrating biodiversity considerations into climate policies, COP 15 aimed to promote sustainable practices that enhance both climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. This relationship remains vital in contemporary discussions, as addressing biodiversity loss is seen as a crucial strategy for achieving long-term climate goals and ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems.

Q3: Analyze the significance of public participation in the outcomes of COP 15.

Answer: Public participation was a cornerstone of the COP 15 discussions, reflecting the belief that biodiversity conservation cannot succeed without active engagement from all stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and the private sector. The summit recognized that raising public awareness and fostering community involvement are essential for the effective implementation of biodiversity strategies. By encouraging grassroots participation, COP 15 aimed to empower local populations, ensuring that conservation efforts align with their needs and knowledge. The outcomes of the summit highlighted the importance of creating inclusive platforms where diverse voices contribute to decision-making processes. This participatory approach not only enhances the effectiveness of biodiversity initiatives but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among communities, ultimately leading to more sustainable and resilient ecosystems.

Previous Year Questions on  Cop 15 Copenhagen Summit

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Question: What was one of the significant outcomes of COP 15 regarding biodiversity?

(a) Establishment of the Kyoto Protocol

(b) Setting of legally binding targets for biodiversity conservation

(c) Formation of the Paris Agreement

(d) Elimination of all endangered species

Answer: (b) Setting of legally binding targets for biodiversity conservation

Explanation: COP 15 aimed to establish legally binding targets to enhance global commitments to biodiversity conservation.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021

Question: "The outcomes of COP 15 are crucial for addressing climate change." Discuss this statement with examples.

Answer: The outcomes of COP 15 are vital for addressing climate change as they highlighted the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate stability. The summit established a framework for integrating biodiversity considerations into climate policies, emphasizing that healthy ecosystems are essential for climate resilience. For instance, forests act as carbon sinks, and their preservation is critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the summit encouraged the establishment of protected areas to safeguard biodiversity, which in turn contributes to climate adaptation by maintaining ecosystem services. The outcomes of COP 15 have prompted nations to incorporate biodiversity goals into their climate action plans, thereby reinforcing the significance of a holistic approach to environmental sustainability. As countries strive to meet their climate commitments, the principles established at COP 15 remain instrumental in shaping effective strategies to combat both biodiversity loss and climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.