Conference of the Parties (COP) 22 frequently asked questions

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in 1992, at the Rio Earth Summit to coordinate international efforts to address climate change.

Countries that have ratified the UNFCCC are known as “Parties”, and they meet as the Conference of the Parties (COP).

The COP is the supreme body of the UNFCCC, and it currently meets once a year to review the Convention's progress and implementation.

This year’s COP will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, from November 7 to 18.

The science is clear. Climate change is real. It is caused by human beings, and it is happening now. Year after year, our planet is getting warmer, sea levels are rising, and communities are feeling the effects of climate change.

In Canada, we’re seeing this phenomenon too, from melting ice roads, increased flooding and fires, to eroding coasts, which means PEI is literally shrinking.

One year ago in Paris, close to 200 world leaders came together to tackle climate change through the historic Paris Agreement. Working with business leaders, governments at all levels and civil society, we are developing solutions to climate change that will ensure not only a sustainable planet but will grow a clean economy. This transition, driven by market forces, is unstoppable and Canada intends to be at the forefront.

The Paris Agreement was the first step on the road to a cleaner, more prosperous future for families and businesses around the world. The next steps are just as important as Canada takes bold action to ensure we meet our 2030 emission reduction target, build a clean economy and create more opportunities for middle-class Canadians.

Canada is proud of the historic global accomplishment that was the adoption of the Paris Agreement, last December, and its entry into force on November 4, 2016.

It is important for Parties to build on the momentum, from Paris, and to work collectively to raise the ambition on climate action, over time. This important milestone will allow Parties at COP 22 to focus on how we will implement the Agreement.

COP 22 represents an opportunity to showcase Canada’s ongoing leadership and actions, to date, in addressing climate change. Provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, as well as youth will be part of the Canadian delegation, and they will have an opportunity to share their unique and valuable perspectives on climate action.

COP 22 will give governments and businesses an opportunity to discuss global investment and growth opportunities, which will come from our collective action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change.

Parties will also demonstrate, at COP 22, their ongoing efforts in providing support to developing countries.

For more informations please visit Canada’s priorities at COP 22.

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will lead the Canadian delegation during the ministerial segment of COP 22, over the second week of COP.

Canada’s Chief Negotiator for Climate Change, Louise Métivier, will head the delegation when the Minister is not present.

Minister McKenna has a full agenda at COP 22. Her priorities include

• Encouraging and sustaining the momentum towards the global implementation of the Paris Agreement
• Putting the Paris Agreement into action
• Encouraging public- and private-sector investments toward a low-carbon future for all
• Supporting connections between Canadian and international business actors in the sustainable technology sector
• Advocating for clear commitments to keep emissions in check
• Working to generate enhanced action on adaptation
• Promoting collaboration among international partners on various approaches to climate action
• Promoting Indigenous leadership in climate action internationally
• Promoting transparency and accountability in GHG-emissions reporting and climate action
• Supporting a stronger role for women in climate action and decision-making
• Sharing knowledge and experiences, with officials from other countries

Canada’s delegation will include Indigenous leaders; representatives from the provinces, territories and municipalities; youth; business leaders; ENGOs (environmental non-governmental organizations); and opposition members of Parliament.

Canada’s federal-government negotiators will represent Canada’s positions, at the various negotiating sessions, along with support staff.

The UNFCCC will soon post a provisional list of participants on its website.

The total cost of Canada’s participation in COP 22 is not finalized at this time as the event is ongoing.

Providing developing countries with the resources they need to mitigate and adapt to climate change is essential for an integrated approach to addressing climate change and sustainable development under the Paris Agreement.

The 2009 Copenhagen Accord committed the developed world to mobilize $100 billion per year to support green growth and climate resilience, in developing countries. This commitment will create tremendous opportunities for business growth and innovation as companies invest in and market clean technology.

According to the World Bank, the Paris Agreement helped open up nearly $23 trillion in new opportunities for climate-smart investments in emerging markets, between now and 2030.

Canada committed to provide $2.65 billion over five years, scaling up to $800 million in 2020, to help developing countries build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change and achieve sustained GHG-emissions reductions.

Canada’s contribution will support the development of clean and renewable energy, of early warning systems, and of urgent climate-change adaptation projects in the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries.

This historic commitment represents our largest international climate investment ever and illustrates Canada’s concrete support for moving the global economy to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

At COP 22, Canada will continue to work with other donor countries towards our collective commitment to reach the goal of mobilising US$100 billion per year in climate financing by 2020, using a variety of public and private financial sources.

For more informations please visit Canada’s climate finance.