In 1992, during the Rio Earth Summit, 154 States, recognizing the existence of climate change resulting from human activity, decided to work together to limit global warming. This gave rise to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (or UNFCCC) and its decision-making body, the Conference of the Parties (or COP).
A COP session brings together the 198 Parties to the Convention each year. Each session is an opportunity to take stock of the application of the Convention, give details on the implementation of decisions and negotiate new commitments with individual or shared objectives. Decisions are adopted by consensus. The European Union speaks with a single voice. Ahead of each session, the EU Member States coordinate to produce a negotiating mandate.
Further information: International negotiations on combating climate change
The year 2025 will be significant in the fight against climate change. The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) will be held in Belém, Brazil on 10-21 November. It will be preceded by a Heads of State and Government Summit on 6-7 November, which will be attended by the President of the French Republic. A few weeks later, in Paris, France will mark the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, which was adopted on 12 December 2015.
These two events demonstrate France’s continued commitment to the ecological transition and the international solidarity in the face of climate change.
Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the facts are alarming: the 1.5°C global warming limit is under more threat than ever. Every 0.1°C beyond that increases climate disasters and weakens global stability.
Both independently and through the EU, France is calling for COP30 to be an opportunity to:
*- adopt a decision on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, defining ways to collectively strengthen efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in particular by speeding up the implementation of the historic COP28 decision on transitioning away from fossil fuels
*- promote increased action by all actors (e.g. international organizations, multilateral banks, private sector, cities, regions) and concrete solutions to strengthen the national implementation of countries’ commitments and international cooperation with regard to the climate.
Adapting to the impact of climate change must become a reality for people. France allocates a third of its climate financing to this every year.
In terms of adaptation, France particularly focuses on the countries and populations most vulnerable to climate change, with special emphasis on gender, social inclusion and human rights issues.
France is fully committed to helping countries address the impact of climate change and protecting populations. During COP21, it launched the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative, which aims to help populations via early warning systems. Over 111 million people around the world are now better protected as a result of CREWS.
France also supports the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage, the first projects of which are set to launch in 2026 due to the work of the French co-chairmanship since the Fund was launched in March 2024.
Mobilizing non-governmental actors, companies, local authorities, scientists and philanthropic organizations is essential to step up the ambition and transparency of climate commitments.
Climate science, which is discussed in the latest IPCC reports, must continue to guide decision-making. France reiterates the need to protect scientific research from disinformation and to only take action based on solid data.
Protecting forests and the ocean, which are essential natural carbon sinks, remains a major priority. France advocates increased cooperation on the world’s three main forest basins and welcomes the upcoming entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement on the high seas, which will allow protected marine areas to be created on the high seas.
France and the European Union stand alongside Brazil to ensure that COP30 in Belém is a success for all. Together, they uphold strong, fair and effective multilateralism, which is essential for meeting global climate challenges.
Ten years after the Paris Agreement, France remains determined to implement its commitments more quickly and, with its partners, to set up long-lasting, inclusive environmental planning.
For the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on 12 December 2025, France, Brazil and the United Nations have launched a new label.
It is universal and inclusive, and aims to commemorate these past 10 years of climate action and encourage actors to continually strive for greater unity and collaboration.
It supports events organized around the world, before and during COP30 in Belém, which are in line with the heritage of the Paris Agreement.
To add an event: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
