What will 2024 bring to the global climate circuit?
Following 2023’s groundbreaking but flawed agreement at COP28 in Dubai, world leaders are gathering again at several events this year that could make or break humanity’s future. Meanwhile, scientists, businesses and civil society are regrouping to hammer out solutions to our growing planetary pains.
Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, present your work, grow your network or find new ways to take action, 2024 is ripe with opportunities at climate events.
From forestry and ocean conferences to global policy summits for climate, biodiversity and drylands, here’s your guide to the most important climate events of the year.
When: 2–13 December 2024
Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
More information: Website; live coverage
Not to be confused with the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP16 will see world leaders convene for action on drylands under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This will be the world’s largest summit on land challenges since the last UNCCD Conference of Parties in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in May 2022.
The GLF will be joining this event. Follow our live coverage here!
When: 30 January 2024
Where: UN Headquarters, New York, NY, United States
More information: Website
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) kicks off the year with its 2024 Partnership Forum on the theme of “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions.”
The Forum will focus on five main Sustainable Development Goals: namely Goal 1 (no poverty); Goal 2 (zero hunger); Goal 13 (climate action); Goal 16 (peace and justice); and Goal 17 (partnership for the Goals).
When: 11–13 March 2024
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
More information: Website
Hosted by Economist Impact’s World Ocean Initiative, this year’s World Ocean Congress & Expo seeks to spark conversation and action in the transition to a sustainable ocean economy.
The event agenda will focus on ocean health, industry strategies for a sustainable ocean economy, and ocean-climate solutions.
When: 11–15 March 2024
Where: Livingstone, Zambia
More information: Website
The world’s largest land restoration programming conference will bring together global thought leaders, change makers and action takers to address key challenges and lay out plans to accelerate nature-based solutions. This event will be co-hosted by the Global EverGreening Alliance, the government of Zambia, AUDA-NEPAD, AFR100 and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
When: 21–23 March 2024
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
More information: Website
Held on the 50th anniversary of Portuguese democracy, this festival will focus on “democratizing futures.“ The program will cover three main themes: post-urban lives in a large-scale ecosystem (infrastructure, mobility and energy), equitable governance for tomorrow’s societies (governments, education and healthcare) and pluricultural creations and the AI era (food, design and arts).
When: 10–12 April 2024
Where: Barcelona, Spain
More information: Website
As we near the halfway point of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), this UNESCO event will evaluate the main achievements since the launch of the Ocean Decade and key areas for action over the next three to five years.
The three-day conference will cover critical ocean challenges such as climate change, food security, sustainable management of biodiversity, sustainable ocean economy, pollution and natural hazards.
When: 27–30 May 2024
Where: Venue to be confirmed, Antigua and Barbuda
More information: Website
The Small Island Developing States came away disappointed with the agreement made at COP28. In May, the group will reconvene to review their sustainable development progress and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to the climate crisis, mounting debt and the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When: 3–13 June 2024
Where: Bonn, Germany
More information: Website
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is set to host the 60th sessions of its subsidiary bodies at its headquarters in Bonn, Germany.
When: 16–21 June 2024
Where: Davos, Switzerland
More information: Website
Under the theme “From Science to Action,” the third World Biodiversity Forum will bring together researchers, practitioners and civil society to explore how to move from science to action and solutions to conserve biodiversity and set us on a path towards transformation for sustainability.
When: 17–21 June 2024
Where: Bologna, Italy
More information: Website
Organized by the Europe Section of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), the 7th ECCB will focus on a key theme of “biodiversity positive by 2030,” issuing a call to action towards the conservation of our planet’s biodiversity.
When: 18–21 June 2024
Where: São Paulo, Brazil
More information: Website; news release; registration form
In June, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability will organize its triennial World Congress. Hosted by the City of São Paulo, this event will showcase how local and regional governments across our network are advancing sustainable urban development worldwide.
When: 6 June 2024
Where: Bonn, Germany, and online
More information: Website
Peatlands make up just 3–4 percent of the Earth’s land area, but they store more carbon than all of the world’s forests combined. At this hybrid event, held alongside the Bonn Climate Change Conference, find out why this crucial ecosystem is under threat – and what we can do to protect it.
When: 20 June 2024
Where: Bonn, Germany, and online
More information: Website
Central Africa is home to the second largest rainforest in the world: the Congo Basin, which is a crucial source of livelihoods for local communities. At this hybrid event jointly hosted with the Central Africa Forest Observatory (OFAC), join experts, practitioners and policymakers in exploring how we can keep this vital ecosystem healthy.
Tickets are free for everyone attending online. Grab yours now!
When: 23–29 June 2024
Where: Stockholm, Sweden
More information: Website
The IUFRO World Congress is one of the largest global forest events, held every five years since 1893 and bringing together leading scientists and top leaders to co-create a sustainable future for forestry, climate and society. Under the theme of “Forests and Society Towards 2050,” the 2024 event will address the challenges of population growth, climate change, globalization and a growing world economy for forests and their governance.
When: 4–9 August 2024
Where: Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
More information: Website
Hosted by the International Peatland Society, the 17th International Peat Congress will provide a platform for peatland scientists, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, best practices and new ideas about peatland conservation and advocate for the responsible use of peat and peatland resources. This year’s proposed theme is “Peatlands in a Changing World.”
When: 17 September 2024 – now available to watch on demand
Where: Nairobi, Kenya, and online
More information: Website
Can Africa lead a global green renaissance? The continent has vast natural resources to support its food systems, livelihoods and growing young population – but the climate crisis could cancel those advantages out. This hybrid conference will explore how Africa can tackle these challenges by harnessing the potential of its diverse landscapes and peoples.
When: 22–24 September 2024
Where: UN Headquarters, New York, NY, United States
More information: Website
The Summit of the Future is a high-level event bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
The Summit has two main aims: to accelerate efforts to meet our existing international commitments and take concrete steps to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. This will be achieved through an action-oriented outcome document called the Pact for the Future, which will be negotiated, and endorsed by countries in the lead-up to and during the Summit.
When: 22–28 September 2024
Where: New York, NY, United States, and online
More information: Website
During the same week as the Summit of the Future, the annual Climate Week NYC will organize over 500 in-person, hybrid and online events and activities across the City of New York.
When: 21 October–1 November 2024
Where: Cali, Colombia
More information: Website; live blog
This Conference will encompass the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), along with meetings of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol.
At COP16, governments will be tasked with reviewing the state of implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at COP15 in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022.
Follow our live blog and full coverage!
When: 25 October 2024 – now available to watch on demand
Where: Cali, Colombia, and online
More information: Website
This October, world leaders and experts will convene in Cali, Colombia, for the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) to protect the rich tapestry of life on Earth and the essential services they provide to humanity.
At the world’s largest event on sustainable finance in the Global South this year, discover how we can raise $200 billion a year for biodiversity.
When: 4–7 November 2024
Where: Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
More information: Website
With its extensive coastline, diverse ecosystems, and significant agricultural sector, Vietnam is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change which is posing substantial threats to the livelihoods, food security, and overall well-being of its rural population.
Against this backdrop, ICRAF and Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry have joined forces to organize a conference focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation science and practices tailored to Vietnam’s rural context.
The conference will focus on the following topics: Climate change impacts on rural communities, scientific knowledge and best practices, capacity building and collaboration and community resilience.
When: 11–22 November 2024
Where: Baku, Azerbaijan
More information: Website; live coverage
Last year’s COP28 conference in Dubai, U.A.E, saw countries agree for the first time ever to “transition away” from fossil fuels, as well as to finance the Loss and Damage Fund.
In November, world leaders and delegates will meet again in Azerbaijan at COP29, the largest climate event of the year, where they will aim to establish a new global climate finance goal.
The GLF will be joining this event. Follow our coverage here!
When: 12–22 November 2024
Where: Baku, Azerbaijan
More information: Website
Now in its fourth year, the Extreme Hangout at COP has proven to be one of the largest and most popular experiences at the global United Nations Climate Conference Of the Parties (COP).
For COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Extreme Hangout (EXH@COP29) is an official part of the Green Zone and presents a range of exciting partnership opportunities for organizations who wish to show the world that they are committed to combating the climate crisis.
The GLF will be hosting a session on 19 November titled Food: Where tradition meets climate action. Sign up now!
When: 11–16 November 2024
Where: Geneva, Switzerland, and online
More information: Website
The Young Activists Summit (YAS) is a global platform that empowers and supports young change makers defending human rights and/or protecting the environment.
YAS culminates in a Summit every year that honours five Laureates at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, during a live event that brings together thousands of young people, online and onsite.
When: 19–22 November 2024
Where: Hammamet, Tunisia
More information: Website
Aquaculture continues to increase its importance to Africa’s economies in a number of ways – in providing sustainable and nutritious food to the continent’s fast-growing populations, to jobs and improved livelihoods.
The annual Aquaculture Africa Conferences bring together a wide variety of aquaculturists from the commercial, academic, government sectors and NGO sectors to celebrate the sector’s achievements, but also to find solutions to some of the challenges the sector faces.
Tunisia will host the 3rd Aquaculture Africa Conference (AFRAQ24) in its majestic city of Hammamet – a popular holiday destination on the Mediterranean coastline.
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