The upcoming COP29 climate talks have ignited a heated debate about their effectiveness in addressing the urgent climate crisis.

While COP sessions have been essential for creating agreements like the Paris Accord, critics question their ability to foster swift progress.

Prominent figures, such as former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, have called for a revamp of the process.

Despite these critiques, the COP framework is still vital for enabling multilateral dialogue among almost 200 countries.

However, there are concerns about choosing host nations whose economies depend on fossil fuels, like Azerbaijan, which could damage the event's credibility.

This has led to calls for hosts who support the talks' goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Smaller countries, especially island states heavily impacted by climate change, worry about being overshadowed by larger emitters at these forums.

There are emerging proposals for more frequent, smaller COPs with clear accountability to ensure actions match promises, making the process more effective and inclusive.

As the climate crisis requires urgent action, there is a pressing need to reform COPs to increase their impact without sacrificing inclusivity.

The discussion underscores the complexity of international climate politics, highlighting the need for bold changes to achieve faster and more significant outcomes.

Public input remains crucial as the conversation progresses.