Conference for change

The official conference for the climate crisis has begun. World leaders involved with COP27 are currently meeting in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt from November 6th to the 18th in order to address the Climate Crisis. COP stands for Conference of the Parties, with “parties” referring to the 197 nations, including the United States, that agreed to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992. The U.N. holds an annual conference for these nations to discuss how to address climate change. This is the 27th time countries have gathered together to discuss the topic. The overall goal of COP is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that can prevent dangerous human induced interference with the climate crisis. “The climate crisis is a major issue that needs to be prevented,” says science teacher Mr. Edwards, “I hope these world leaders do the right thing.” Coverage of the current convention has reported that developing countries want a commitment on money they need in order to fund the climate-fueled disasters they are already experiencing. Developed countries, such as the United States, have opposed this proposition because they fear being held legally accountable for the damages caused by climate change. So, these wealthy countries are trying to focus on how to help developing nations phase out fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy. So far at the convention, much has been done. The highlight so far of the convention is The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, delivered a very impactful speech stating there is a “highway to climate hell.” As world leaders make decisions, the whole world will be watching. This conference will test which countries are willing to respond to these climate emergencies.