1. Climate COP (UNFCCC – Climate Change COP)
The Climate Change COP, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is the most high-profile of the three. These conferences have been held annually since 1995 and serve as the main negotiation platform to reduce emissions, promote climate adaptation, and mobilize green financing — resulting in historic agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
2. Biodiversity COP (CBD – Biodiversity COP)
The Biodiversity COP, held under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), focuses on conserving ecosystems, using biodiversity sustainably, and ensuring fair access to genetic resources. Unlike the Climate COP, it takes place every two years.
A recent example: COP16, held in Cali, Colombia in 2024 and followed by an additional session in Rome in 2025, secured an annual funding commitment of USD 200 billion to implement the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
3. Desertification COP (UNCCD – COP to Combat Desertification)
The COP to Combat Desertification, under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), addresses land degradation, drought, and restoration.
Held every two years (alternating with another subsidiary body called CRIC), it promotes goals such as Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and strengthens resilience to drought.
The link between the three: The “Rio Conventions”
These three COPs share a common origin: they were born at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, forming the so-called “Rio Conventions.” While each addresses a specific environmental crisis — climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation — they work in a complementary and interconnected way.
Quick comparison
| COP Type | Associated Convention | Frequency | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate COP | UNFCCC | Annual | Climate change mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance |
| Biodiversity COP | CBD | Biennial | Biodiversity conservation and sustainable use |
| Desertification COP | UNCCD | Biennial | Combat land degradation, restoration, and resilience to drought |
| Common Connection | “Rio Conventions” | — | Integrated, synergistic approach across climate, biodiversity, and land |
The Climate, Biodiversity, and Desertification COPs are key pillars of global environmental governance. Each targets specific challenges, but their interconnection is becoming increasingly clear: only through integrated action can we effectively tackle the planet’s most urgent crises.