The Conference of the Parties (COP) is designed to encourage urgent cooperative efforts to combat climate change. Yet these events attract thousands of participants – many of whom are not directly involved in policy negotiations – who come from all over the world, generating considerable carbon emissions. This environmental impact, largely due to air transport, directly contradicts the main mission of the summit. Air travel is among the largest emitters of CO2 per capita, and when multiplied by thousands of participants, the resulting carbon footprint is substantial.

Having attended COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, I witnessed a powerful convergence of leaders, activists, NGOs and stakeholders uniting to address the urgent climate crisis. Yet, amidst the bustling crowd, I couldn’t help but notice a paradox: a conference dedicated to reducing carbon emissions was contributing significantly to the global carbon footprint. Are these large-scale gatherings really essential, or is it time to rethink the structure of climate conferences to ensure they align more closely with the carbon-conscious values ​​they aim to promote?

Participation at the COP varies widely, with participants ranging from high-level negotiators to grassroots activists, media, business representatives, and more. While diversity in representation is valuable, not all participants are directly involved in decision-making or policy influence. At COP27, it was clear that many were observers or members of organizations with no role in policymaking. Limiting participation to essential personnel – those directly involved in negotiations, policy development and implementation – could streamline the conference, reducing emissions while capturing the diverse voices essential to the process. Senior negotiators, technical advisors and leaders of key organizations could represent diverse perspectives without the need for thousands of participants, thereby reducing the overall environmental footprint.

The carbon impact of COP conferences extends beyond travel. Host cities invest heavily in infrastructure, accommodation and energy resources to accommodate large numbers of participants. Local transport, energy consumption and food and waste management also contribute to the carbon footprint. Reports claim that this summit collectively produced tens of thousands of tons of CO2 per year. Hosting a smaller, more focused delegation could significantly reduce these impacts while still preserving the purpose of the event.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that virtual and hybrid formats can be effective alternatives for large-scale events. During lockdown, crucial climate discussions and negotiations continued remotely, proving that virtual participation can be meaningful and impactful. By adopting a hybrid model, in which essential staff meet in person and others join remotely, future COPs could reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining their inclusive nature.

Virtual participation could also improve accessibility for groups that do not have the resources to attend in person, including grassroots organizations, small island states, and vulnerable communities. These voices are essential to climate discussions, but the cost of participating in person can be prohibitive. Hybrid models offer a more equitable and sustainable alternative, allowing underrepresented groups to fully participate without increasing global emissions.

Another innovative approach to COP reform is decentralization, which could involve holding pre-COP regional summits. Regional gatherings would allow countries to focus on locally relevant issues and challenges. For example, Africa-focused meetings could prioritize discussions on climate impacts specific to African ecosystems and economies, while Pacific island countries could address the pressing issue of sea level rise. Regional summits would help prepare detailed, context-specific proposals that a central, streamlined COP could review and negotiate. This structure not only allows for in-depth regional planning, but also reduces long-distance travel and strengthens alliances at the regional level. The final COP summit could then focus on reviewing interregional agreements and refining policies, promoting a globally coordinated but regionally informed response to climate change.

Adopting a smaller, virtual model would send a powerful message to the world. This would demonstrate that climate leaders are not only discussing solutions, but also implementing them. However, proponents of in-person interaction say it is essential for building trust and negotiating effectively. If face-to-face meetings do indeed facilitate relationship building, the same has been achieved at countless other global summits that have successfully migrated online. Hybrid models can still allow limited in-person interaction when necessary.

Another concern is that reducing attendance could decrease diversity. However, virtual platforms can increase diversity by making it easier for representatives from remote or under-resourced regions to participate. A virtual or hybrid format could amplify the voices of those who are often excluded due to high travel costs.

To foster a climate-conscious COP, the use of technology to facilitate high-quality virtual participation and the diversion towards energy-efficient facilities, renewable resources and sustainable practices for any in-person events are recommended. Additionally, the UN should set specific carbon targets for COP meetings and ensure that emissions are reported transparently.

True climate leadership means putting principles into practice. We can no longer justify emitting thousands of tonnes of CO2 to discuss emissions reductions. The COP delivered essential progress on climate action, but we must ensure that the way we come together is consistent with our climate commitments. By adopting a decentralized and virtual COP model, we can reduce emissions, improve inclusiveness and set a standard for low-carbon collaboration. By embracing regional summits, using technology and focusing on sustainability, the COP can continue to be a force for meaningful change without compromising the planet we work to protect.

Musharraf Tansen former Country Director, Malala Fund & Muslim Hands International

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

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