AS SOMEONE who attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, more commonly known as COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, I experienced firsthand the massive gathering of leaders, activists, NGOs, and observers from around the world, all converging to discuss solutions to the climate crisis. Yet, as I moved through packed venues and witnessed the crowds, I found myself questioning the necessity of such a large gathering. Are all these people essential to the process? Are we, ironically, adding to the carbon footprint through these events aimed at reducing it? This article examines why it might be time to either stop holding large-scale conferences of the parties or seriously limit attendance to reduce emissions and align more closely with climate-conscious values.听
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Paradox of large-scale climate conferences听
THE primary goal of the COP is to address the urgent threat of climate change through global collaboration. However, to attend these gatherings, thousands of participants 鈥� many without a specific role or direct influence on policy 鈥� travel from all over the world, producing significant carbon emissions in the process. In fact, the environmental impact of COP summits, particularly the travel required, is at odds with their mission. For instance, air travel, which accounts for a substantial portion of each summit鈥檚 emissions, is one of the highest emitters of CO2 per capita. When we consider the thousands attending from across continents, we鈥檙e looking at a staggering carbon cost.听
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Does every COP attendee have a purpose?
A CLOSER look at COP attendance reveals a wide range of participants, from high-level negotiators to grassroots activists, media, corporate representatives, and more. While diversity of representation is valuable, not everyone plays a role in negotiating or influencing policy. At COP27, I noticed that many attendees seemed to be observers, individuals from organisations without direct input into the policy process or the technical expertise to contribute significantly to discussions. This raises an important question: how many people are truly essential for these conferences to fulfil their purpose? I reckon limiting in-person attendance to essential personnel 鈥� those directly engaged in negotiations, policy-making and implementation 鈥� could streamline the process and reduce emissions substantially. Technical and scientific advisors, lead negotiators, and heads of organisations could still represent diverse interests while reducing the overall environmental impact of the event.听
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Environmental costs of hosting COP
EACH COP conference demands substantial resources beyond air travel emissions. Host cities invest in infrastructure, transportation, accommodations, and energy-intensive facilities to accommodate large numbers of people. These requirements add up: local transportation, heating or cooling systems, and food and waste management all contribute to a sizable carbon footprint. According to some estimates, COPs have produced tens of thousands of tonnes of CO2 in a single year. Furthermore, climate conferences are often hosted in countries with relatively high carbon footprints, which only compounds the environmental toll. The irony here cannot be overstated 鈥� conferences aimed at combating climate change are hosted in ways that significantly contribute to it. A smaller, more focused delegation could drastically reduce this impact while preserving the integrity of the conference鈥檚 purpose.听
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Potential of virtual and hybrid models听
THE Covid pandemic showed us that virtual and hybrid formats are not only viable but effective for large-scale events. During the pandemic, when face-to-face meetings were impossible, critical negotiations and high-level discussions continued virtually. These virtual events allowed for meaningful participation without the associated travel emissions. Hybrid models, where some essential personnel gather in person while others join remotely, could become a more sustainable way forward for COP.听
Virtual attendance can also open doors to more diverse participation from groups who may lack the resources to attend in person, such as grassroots organisations, small island nations, and representatives from vulnerable communities. These voices are crucial in climate discussions, yet many struggle to gain access due to the high costs of attending in person. Embracing a hybrid model could improve inclusivity and accessibility, providing a broader range of perspectives without contributing to emissions.听
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Benefits of regional, decentralised climate summits听
ANOTHER possible alternative is to decentralise climate conferences by holding more region-specific meetings in the lead-up to a smaller, more streamlined annual COP. Regional summits would allow countries to focus on issues relevant to their geography, culture, and environmental challenges. For example, Africa-focused meetings could address the unique impacts of climate change on African ecosystems and economies, while Pacific Island nations could focus on sea-level rise and displacement risks.听
These regional meetings could prepare comprehensive, context-specific proposals that a smaller, central COP summit could review. This structure would allow for more detailed and contextually relevant planning, reduce the need for long-distance travel, and promote stronger regional alliances and solutions that are tailored to local needs. The final, smaller COP summit could serve as a venue for negotiating cross-regional agreements and fine-tuning policies.听
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Setting example of sustainability听
IF CLIMATE conferences like COP truly aim to lead by example, they must embody the sustainable practices they advocate. This is not just about optics 鈥� it is about credibility and integrity. Climate change activists, organisations, and policymakers are calling on corporations and governments to reduce their carbon footprints. If we demand that industries and countries cut emissions, we should apply the same principles to our own gatherings.听
Demonstrating climate-conscious practices at COP would send a powerful message to the world. It would show that we are not only discussing solutions but actively implementing them. By adopting a smaller, virtual-friendly model, the UN and COP organisers can signal a commitment to sustainable practices that extends beyond policy and into every aspect of their operations.听
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Counterarguments and responses
SOME argue that in-person interaction is irreplaceable for diplomatic negotiation and trust-building. However, the same could be said for many global summits that have moved online with minimal disruption. Negotiations and relationship-building can still occur through video conferences, and hybrid models can provide limited in-person meetings where necessary.听
Another concern is that restricting attendance might reduce diversity and limit the voices heard at COP. On the contrary, hybrid or virtual platforms could enhance diversity by making it easier for representatives from remote or resource-limited regions to attend. Virtual platforms can amplify, rather than diminish, the inclusion of under-represented voices.听
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Key recommendations for climate-conscious COP听
FOR A climate-conscious COP, the following steps could be considered: only essential personnel, such as negotiators, policymakers, and technical advisers, should attend in person; technology should be used to facilitate high-quality virtual participation, reducing the need for international travel; regional pre-COP meetings should be held to develop localised plans that a smaller central COP can review and negotiate; energy-efficient facilities, renewable resources, and sustainable practices should be in place for any in-person events; and the UN should set specific carbon targets for COP gatherings and ensure emissions are transparently reported.听
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Aligning climate action with practice听
TRUE climate leadership lies in practicing the principles we preach. We can no longer afford to emit thousands of tonnes of CO2 for discussions on reducing emissions. To protect our planet, we must commit to a model of collaboration that embodies sustainability in its logistics.听
The COP gatherings have made impactful strides and undeniably contributed to global progress on climate action, yet it鈥檚 essential to question whether the current format serves the planet as effectively as possible. With the world now connected in unprecedented ways, we have the means to collaborate without a massive carbon footprint. Moving toward a more sustainable, virtual-friendly COP model not only reduces emissions but also sets an example of climate leadership. By limiting attendance and embracing virtual solutions, we can lead by example 鈥� demonstrating that we鈥檙e willing to make sacrifices and adapt our actions to meet the climate challenges of our time.听
The COP framework has demonstrated that we can convene the world鈥檚 experts to tackle humanity鈥檚 greatest challenges. Now it鈥檚 time to reimagine how we gather, making COP itself a model for the low-carbon future we are all working toward. By reducing the scale of in-person attendance, embracing technology, and focusing on sustainability, COP can continue to drive meaningful change without compromising the planet we鈥檙e striving to protect.听
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Musharraf Tansen is former country director of Muslim Hands International and former country representative of Malala Fund.
