This year’s United Nation’s COP29 is held in Baku, Azerbaijan, and we are thrilled to announce that our Scientific Director, Matthew Johnson, is representing the Energy and Emissions Research Lab (EERL) and Canada at this global event.

Matt will be presenting at the Canada’s Clean Resource Innovation Network Pavilion on Saturday, November 16th, 2024. He will be a part of an expert panel on “Methane Technology Development and Commercialization – from Canada to the World”, discussing the critical work being done to drive methane emission reductions in Canada and worldwide:

  • He will share data-driven insights into the progress and challenges of achieving Canada’s 2030 methane goals;
  • Highlight key technologies for emissions measurement and our international collaborations on methane measurement and mitigation;
  • Discuss strategies for applying actionable data and scaling technologies globally to help other countries reduce emissions.

What is COP and Why is it a big deal?

COP29 is the 29th annual conference under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dedicated to addressing global climate change. The decisions made at COP29 will determine the future of our planet. It’s a pivotal global event and one of the key platforms that brings together world leaders, climate experts, activists, NGOs, and various other stakeholders to discuss and negotiate actions to combat climate change.

Held annually, COPs are critical for advancing international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and mobilize financial and technological support for sustainable development.  For example, COP21 in Paris was where the historic Paris Agreement was adopted, setting ambitious targets for reducing global emissions.

This year, COP29 is focused on critical issues such as climate finance, sustainable development, environmental justice, and the transition to renewable energy. This conference plays a crucial role in shaping global climate policies and fostering collaboration among nations to achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement.

As UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “The climate emergency is a race we are losing, but it is a race we can win.” We look forward to seeing how COP29 progresses, and what new commitments, agreements, and initiatives governments take to tackle climate change.

Follow EERL’s LinkedIn page to stay tuned for updates from COP29, and more!

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Listen to CBC Ottawa Morning for early COP29 takeaways:

An Ottawan at COP29 in Azerbaijan | Ottawa Morning | Live Radio | CBC Listen