The Environmental Impact Of Cops: A Paradox Of Climate Diplomacy
- IJLLR Journal
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
Bhumika Gupta, OP Jindal Global University
Introduction
Global climate conferences such as the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) are pivotal in shaping international climate policy and coordinating global action under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These summits bring together thousands of delegates, including heads of state, diplomats, scientists, activists, and journalists, to negotiate climate targets and strengthen multilateral cooperation. However, despite their objective of mitigating global emissions, COPs themselves generate a significant environmental footprint.
The paradox is striking because gatherings that aim to combat climate change often contribute substantially to it. The logistical and infrastructural demands of hosting a COP, ranging from delegate travel and accommodation to venue energy use, food systems, and waste generation, lead to large quantities of greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the COP26 summit held in Glasgow in 2021 emitted over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, with aviation accounting for the majority of the total footprint. Such figures raise critical questions about the sustainability and legitimacy of these events, especially when the outcomes are framed as global commitments to emission reduction.
Recognising this contradiction, the UNFCCC developed Sustainability Guidelines for COP Hosts to encourage greener logistics, carbon offsetting, and improved resource management. However, these guidelines remain voluntary and largely unenforceable. Consequently, many scholars and environmental policy experts argue that the carbon cost of climate diplomacy has yet to be adequately addressed within international environmental law.
This research paper critically examines the environmental impact of COPs, focusing on their major emission sources and the corresponding legal, policy, and ethical implications. It explores key aspects such as travel and transportation, venue infrastructure and energy use, accommodation and food systems, waste and material management, and governance and justice dimensions. In doing so, this research aims to highlight how the practice of climate governance itself must evolve to reflect the principles of sustainability and equity it seeks to promote. Unless the environmental externalities of global diplomacy are directly confronted and regulated, climate negotiations risk undermining both their moral authority and scientific credibility.
