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Since their inception, the United Nations Climate Change Conferences—or Conference of the Parties (COPs)—have shaped the global response to climate change. These high-stakes gatherings bring together world leaders, scientists, activists, and policymakers to negotiate the future of our planet. Yet, despite increasing media attention, the inner workings of these forums remain complex and often misunderstood.
As COP30 takes place in 2025, 30 Climate COP Later takes a critical look at the past three decades of climate negotiations. Have these conferences driven real progress? Through the voices of key Canadian figures—diplomats, scientists, NGO leaders, journalists, and policymakers—this book offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on the triumphs, setbacks, and turning points that have defined the COPs.
With firsthand accounts and candid reflections, contributors share personal experiences, pivotal moments, and insights into Canada’s evolving role in international climate diplomacy. From historic agreements to missed opportunities, their stories provide a nuanced view of the challenges and achievements of global climate negotiations.
Written for a wide audience—including students, professionals, and anyone passionate about climate action—this book sheds light on the COP process and its impact. As the climate crisis intensifies, it asks a pressing question: Can these negotiations still deliver the solutions we so urgently need?
Christophe Aura (Contributor)
Christophe Aura is Senior Advisor for Government affairs and Decarbonization strategy at ArcelorMittal Mining Canada.
Caroline Brouillette (Contributor)
Caroline Brouillette is Executive Director at Climate Action Network.
Miyuki Qiajunnguaq Daorana (Contributor)
Miyuki Qiajunnguaq Daorana is MA Candidate and Inuit youth activist.
Dane de Souza (Contributor)
Dane de Souza is Senior Advisor on Emergency Management at the Métis Nation Council.
Dalee Sambo Dorough (Contributor)
Dalee Sambo Dorough is Iñupiaq Advocate and Lawyer.
Rosa Galvez (Contributor)
Honourable Rosa Galvez is Senator at the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources.
Kate Gillis (Contributor)
Kate Gillis is Senior Policy Advisor of International Relations at the Métis National Council.
Piita Irniq (Contributor)
Piita Irniq is Elder and Knowledge Holder.
Richard Kinley (Contributor)
Richard Kinley was Deputy Executive Secretary at the UN Climate Change Secretariat from 2006 to 2017.
Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk (Contributor)
Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk is Vice-Chair at the Inuit Circumpolar Council.
Alexina Kublu (Contributor)
Alexina Kublu is Elder and Knowledge Holder.
Susie-Ann Kudluk (Contributor)
Susie-Ann Kudluk is National Inuit Youth Council President.
Jean Lemire (Contributor)
Jean Lemire is Quebec’s climate change envoy.
Elizabeth May (Contributor)
Elizabeth May is Member of Parliament for the Green Party of Canada.
David Miller (Contributor)
David Miller is Managing Director at the C40 Centre for City Climate Policy and Economy.
Sara Olsvig (Contributor)
Sara Olsvig is Chair at the Inuit Circumpolar Council.
Mark Purdon (Contributor)
Mark Purdon is Professor at UQAM in the Department of Strategy, Social and Environmental Responsibility at the École des sciences de la gestion and director of the Chair in Decarbonization.
Graeme Reed (Contributor)
Graeme Reed is Strategic Advisor with the Assembly of First Nations.
Patrick Rondeau (Contributor)
Patrick Rondeau is Environmental and Just Transition Department Director at the Fédération des travailleurs et des travailleuses du Québec (FTQ).
Anne Simpson (Contributor)
Anne Simpson is ICC Climate Change Advisor.
Dominique Souris (Contributor)
Dominique Souris is social entrepreneur and impact strategist.
John Stackhouse (Contributor)
John Stackhouse is Senior Vice President in the Office of the CEO at Royal Bank of Canada.
Catherine Stewart (Contributor)
Catherine Stewart is Canada's Ambassador for Climate Change.
Berry Vrbanovic (Contributor)
Berry Vrbanovic is Mayor of Kitchener.
Sheila Watt-Cloutier (Contributor)
Sheila Watt-Cloutier is Inuk leader in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik (northern Quebec).
Erin Myers (Contributor)
Erin Myers is Director of Environment and Climate Change at the Métis National Council.
Thomas Burelli (Editor)
Thomas Burelli is Associate Professor in the Civil Law Section of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, where he teaches international environmental law, natural resources, and video game law. Thomas Burelli attended the COP26 in person in Glasgow. He also followed COP27 and COP28. Thomas Burelli has published more than 50 scientific articles in the field of international environmental law.
Alexandre Lillo (Editor)
Alexandre Lillo is Professor at the Département des sciences juridiques, at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). He teaches international environmental law and environmental law at both the undergrad and graduate level. He has been a COP observer for a Quebec-base NGO (Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement) and attended COP 26 in person. He has published numerous papers relating to international and national environmental law, including peer reviewed articles and media pieces.
Lauren Touchant (Editor)
Lauren Touchant is Assistant Professor in the Political Studies Department at the Vancouver Island University. Her research interests are climate, environmental and energy policy and governance, the Arctic, and emergency preparedness and disaster management. Lauren Touchant participated to the
COP26 in person in Glasgow. She also followed COP27 and COP28 virtually.
Lynda Hubert Ta (Editor)
Lynda Hubert Ta is Assistant Professor in the Civil Law Section of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, where she teaches corporate law, environmental law and corporate social responsibility. She is interested in issues at the interface between environmental protection and economic and business development. Lynda Hubert Ta participated to the COP28 in person.
Elie Klee (Editor)
Elie Klee graduated in 2020 with an LL.M. from the University of Ottawa and a Master degree from Aix-Marseille University (France), specializing in public international law. Since 2022, he has been a Ph.D. student in an international co-tutelle program at the Universities of Ottawa and Aix-Marseille.
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Abbreviations
INTRODUCTION
Thomas Burelli, Alexandre Lillo, Elie Klee, Lynda Hubert Ta and Lauren Touchant
1. 30 Years On, Time to Take Stock
2. A Canadian Perspective
3. Recruiting Contributors to the Book
4. Organization of the Book
CHAPTER 1
COP 101: Understanding What Climate COPs Are
Lynda Hubert Ta, Elie Klee, Thomas Burelli, Alexandre Lillo, and Lauren Touchant
1.1. Supreme Decision-Making Bodies to Help Implement International Climate Agreements and Achieve Their Objectives
1.2. Decisions of Varying Importance, Including Founding Agreements
1.3. A Fair and Collaborative Organization, A Continuous Negotiation Process
1.4. A Diversified and Growing Participation
1.5. Efficiency and Relevance Called Into Question
CHAPTER 2
History of the COP from COP1 to COP30
Jean Lemire
2.1. Scientific Evidence
2.2. The Beginnings of Environmental Diplomacy
2.3. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities
2.4. Conferences of the Parties and the Kyoto Protocol
2.5. The Paris Agreement
2.6. The Road to Belém
CHAPTER 3
So COP, What Have You Done with Your Life?
Richard Kinley
3.1. Let’s Take a Step Back
3.2. What Is the COP Really?
3.3. A Thematic Chronology of the COPs
3.4. Approaching COP30
3.5. How Could COPs Help Governments Be More Ambitious?
3.6. Conclusion
CHAPTER 4
A Fair, Funded, and Fossil-Free Future: A Parliamentarian’s Role in International Climate Action
Rosa Galvez
4.1. My Introduction to COP
4.2. Nomination to the Senate
4.3. COP as a Parliamentarian: A New Experience
4.4. COP26: A Turning Point for Climate Finance
4.5. Attending COP27 and COP28
4.6. Moving Forward: The Need for Greater Ambition
4.7. Conclusion
CHAPTER 5
COPs Are Important Gatherings: They Keep Climate Change on the Map
Elizabeth May
CHAPTER 6
What It Takes to Represent Canada at Climate COPs: A Federal Government Perspective
Catherine Stewart
6.1. Let Us Begin with Formal COP Negotiations
6.2. Moving Beyond Formal COP Negotiations
6.3. Then There Is the Programming Side of Things
6.4. A Gathering That Shapes Our Activities Throughout the Year
6.5. There Is Also What We Take Away from COP, the Commitments We Make, and How We Apply Them at Home
CHAPTER 7
What Now? A Millennial’s Take on a Decade of COPs
Dominique Souris
7.1. The Beginning
7.2. Navigating the “Age of Bullshit”
7.3. Building and Belonging in the UNFCCC
7.4. Building a Future Beyond
CHAPTER 8
Advancing Decarbonization and Decolonization: Lessons from Indigenous Peoples Participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Graeme Reed
8.1. Opening Words
8.2. Breathing Life into the FWG and the Platform
8.3. Lessons from the Creation of FWG for the Future of the UNFCCC
8.4. Conclusion
CHAPTER 9
ᓯᓚ ᐊᔾᔨᐅᔨᓐᓇᐃᖅᑐᖅ — Sila Ajjiujunnaiqtuq — The Weather Has Changed: Inuit Perspectives and Experiences from 30 Years of Climate Change COPs
Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk, Sara Olsvig, Piita Irniq, Alexina Kublu, Dalee Sambo Dorough, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Miyuki Qiajunnguaq Daorana, Susie-Ann Kudluk, and Anne Simpson
9.1. Inuit Voices and the Fight for Climate Justice
9.2. Inuit Action Over the Last 30 Years
9.3. Where We Are
9.4. The Future of Inuit Advocacy at Climate Change COPs: Youth Perspectives
9.5. Moving Forward
CHAPTER 10
Otipemisiwak and Climate Leadership: The Métis Nation at UNFCCC
Dane de Souza and Kate Gillis
CHAPTER 11
The UNFCCC COP: An Imperfect—and Essential—Civic Space for Climate Multilateralism
Caroline Brouillette
CHAPTER 12
Municipalities on the Front Line: Local Voices in Global Climate Policy
Berry Vrbanovic and Lauren Touchant
CHAPTER 13
COPs Are Slow, But Cities Are on the Go
David Miller and Lauren Touchant
CHAPTER 14
From 2015 to COVID, We Were Still Dreaming
Patrick Rondeau
14.1. A Crisis of Confidence
14.2. The Road to Belém
CHAPTER 15
The UN Climate Conferences: A Driver for “Impact Intrapreneurship”
Christophe Aura
15.1. My Path to Intrapreneurship
15.2. An Environment Favourable to Improbable Connections
15.3. Developing a Sense of Shared Responsibility
15.4. The COPs’ Legacy on Impact Intrapreneurship: The Feeling of Being Part of Something Bigger Than Ourselves
CHAPTER 16
The Business of COP: How the Corporate Sector Took on Climate
John Stackhouse
16.1. A Personal Journey Through COPs
16.2. The Twin Journeys of COP and Commerce
16.3. The Economy, Never Far from Sight
CHAPTER 17
Good COP, Bad COP: 20 Years of Climate Change Negotiations
Mark Purdon
17.1. Kyoto Dreamin’
17.2. Lessons Learned About COP
17.3. The Shift from Liberal Environmentalism to Developmental Environmentalism
17.4. Towards Liberal Developmental Environmentalism?
17.5. Conclusion
List of Contributors