Overview

The 30th annual Conference of Parties (COP 30) is the UN’s annual conference on climate change, and is held this year in Brazil. The Conference of Parties is a forum for delegations from all over the world to discuss affairs related to climate change, the Paris Climate Accords, and the implementation of the UN’s sustainable development goals. The conference was created as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and throughout the years has produced documents such as the Kyoto protocol and the Paris Climate Accords through reaching a consensus from attending parties. This year, delegates hope to reach a new consensus on pressing climate change issues and promote further action to counteract climate change. 

Topic 1: Biodiversity Loss

The first topic of this committee is loss of biodiversity due to climate change. Biodiversity loss is a key issue this year, as wildlife populations of flora and fauna are sharply declining, which creates negative feedback loops in the ecosystem further damaging the environment. These feedback loops can spiral out of control and contribute to larger climate issues, such as carbon emissions from forest fires, death of crucial ecosystems like coral reefs, and many more. Additionally, loss of biodiversity includes the threat to make endangered species, many of whom are particularly vulnerable because of other factors created by climate change. Finally, a loss of biodiversity can destroy food chains and manipulate migration patterns, which is especially threatening to the fishing industry and those who rely on it. Delegates will examine biodiversity loss as both a cause and effect of climate change, and attempt to mitigate its effects.

Topic 2: Reforestation

The second topic will be reforestation, particularly in the case of large rainforests. Deforestation is a constant threat as many of the world’s great rainforests are threatened by unsustainable logging practices, forest fires, or diseases. These rainforests are bountiful ecosystems that are home to hundreds of species, and also act as carbon sinks, meaning they must be protected at all cost. Additionally, reforestation is a hot topic, as scandal broke out in the months leading up to COP 30 when thousands of acres of Amazon rainforest was deforested to make way for a highway that would make the conference more accessible. The pressure is on for the conference to address global reforestation as rainforests are some of the most crucial environments against climate change. Delegates will be challenged to design policies and create protocols to protect global ecosystems in the age of climate change.

More information will be released in the coming months!