Nearly 200 nations gather annually for the UN Climate Change Conference (Climate COP29) and bi-annually for the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Biodiversity COP16), the biggest climate and biodiversity summits of the year. Since the seminal COP26, where ambitious and transformative targets were set, each climate and biodiversity COP marks a significant milestone to assess and course-correct on global climate action.
Key focus areas include: fast-tracking our global transition to clean energy; mobilising green and sustainable technologies; harnessing the power of climate finance; addressing biodiversity and ecosystem loss; adapting and building resilience to climate impacts; developing carbon markets; and ensuring a just and equitable transition.
For businesses, COP is crucial as it drives shifts in policy, regulation, and market practices. Companies must stay informed and adaptable to meet new standards and leverage opportunities in the evolving landscape. The outcomes of COP influence corporate strategies, investment decisions, and sustainability initiatives, making it essential for businesses to engage with and respond to these global climate discussions.
Our dedicated COP29 hub seeks to give you access to resources and updates that chart the progress of negotiations and insights into how outcomes might impact you.
Latest COP insights
COP29 Recap – What was achieved in Baku?
Inside COP29: Key themes from week one
COP29: Emerging technology and the energy transition – Risk and opportunities
COP29 – The state of net zero and sustainability efforts in Azerbaijan and Central Asia
COP29 in Baku: Expectations and key issues on the global climate stage
Building net zero: The construction sector's role in hitting COP's climate goals
COP28 videos
Climate Action at COP28
In Joza Al Rasheed's interview with Climate Action at COP28, she discusses the legal industry's contribution in accelerating transformative innovations to drive climate action and more.
Carbon markets – Solution or hot air?
Herbert Smith Freehills ESG head Silke Goldberg explains the complex role of carbon markets in the push to decarbonise and assesses their prospects in the energy transition.
Financing and innovating in industry decarbonisation
Herbert Smith Freehills co-head of energy Lewis McDonald speaks on how businesses can fund and innovate decarbonisation initiatives.
'Amazing advances' – Exploring green technologies
Corporate partner Rebecca Major discusses the evolution of renewable energy technology, the development of green finance and the need to foster and protect investments in the rapidly shifting clean power field.
The energy transition – A total solution
Herbert Smith Freehills guides our clients on every step of the transformative journey to carbon-free energy. Find out what we can offer.
'A credible roadmap for climate action?'
Herbert Smith Freehills ESG head Silke Goldberg outlines the agenda at this year's COP28 climate summit in Dubai - including the key goals of fast tracking the energy transition, transforming green finance and ensuring climate action is socially just - and asks if the UN conference can hope to address the huge challenges of climate change.
'A massive global undertaking'
Herbert Smith Freehills co-head of energy Lewis McDonald discusses the multi-decade investment required to make the transition to carbon-free power a reality and why COP28 hopes to help develop the innovative financing required to meet the vast price tag.
Related insights
Financing the Energy Transition – The Gigafactory Build-out
ESG disclosure investigations – Are you ready?
Toolkit: why think about biodiversity in the corporate context?
Climate disputes – A 360-degree perspective
Financing the Energy Transition – Critical Minerals Processing
Same, same but different – the AASB’s draft climate reporting standards and how they compare to the ISSB equivalents
Key contacts
Dr Silke Goldberg
Partner, London, Israel Group , Nordic Group and Ukraine Group
Lewis McDonald
Partner, London
Rebecca Major
Partner, Head of Energy, Europe, Paris and Africa Group
Heike Schmitz
Partner, Germany
Jannis Bille
UK Head of ESG, London
Justin D'Agostino
Global CEO, Hong Kong and London
Stuart Paterson
Managing Partner, Middle East Offices and Head of Disputes, Middle East, Dubai, Middle East and Africa Group