It's time to... Walk the COP!
We’re heading to Baku, Azerbaijan, where global leaders are gathering for COP29 to tackle the climate crisis. This time, we’re asking policymakers to put the right solutions into action. Which ones? We’ve got a few ideas...
Would you like to know more? Get in touch!
all talk, no action? we’ve heard it before…
Ever notice how politicians make big promises but don’t always follow through? They’re “definitely going to” make progress or “fully committed” to big changes… someday. But words alone won’t fix the climate crisis, and it’s time to hold leaders to their promises.
That’s where we are with our old friend, COP.
For years, the COP conferences have been full of bold talk on climate action, but promises alone won’t cool the planet. And when someone talks big but doesn’t act, we usually say, 'Walk the talk' — meaning it’s time to turn words into actions.
taking it one step further
This November in Azerbaijan, instead of just 'walk the talk,' we’re saying it’s time to Walk the COP.
Join us in holding leaders accountable to take real steps forward. This year, let’s make sure COP isn’t just another conference but a true turning point toward lasting climate action.
Here’s how we can Walk the COP: finance the Global South, phase out fossil fuels, protect human rights, and support vulnerable communities.
Our demands for COP 29
1. More climate finance: money where it's needed
We want high-income countries, like those in the EU, to step up and provide more climate funding, especially for the Global South, which needs up to $6 trillion by 2030. This money should be transparent, easy to access, and based on grants, not loans. New ideas like environmental and wealth taxes could help make this happen, and human rights should be at the core.
2. Stronger climate action: keep it real
We’re asking the EU to set bold new climate goals that align with the 1.5°C target. These plans should include efforts to restore nature, support the development of green skills for young people, and recognizing climate refugees. It’s also time to make green funds and green tech easier for local communities to access.
3. Bye bye fossil fuels
We need a global agreement to phase out fossil fuels — and no more fossil fuel subsidies! The EU should lead the way in switching to renewable energy and keep fossil fuel industry lobbyists out of climate talks. The time for action is now, not tomorrow.
4. Human rights and youth participation matter
Climate action isn’t just about cutting emissions; it’s about fairness. We are calling for gender equality, safety for activists, and more youth voices at the table. For the next COP, a funded and independent youth delegate programme across Europe, will help young people have a real impact in the discussions.
5. Support vulnerable communities: loss and damage
The countries most affected by climate change should get fast, grant-based support to cope with the damage they’re facing. We’re asking for a special fund that’s easy to access for communities like youth, women, and Indigenous groups.
6. Tackle overconsumption: let’s live sustainably
Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are all linked to how much we consume. We need to reduce overconsumption, especially in wealthier countries, so the Global South can meet the needs of its citizens. A circular economy — recycling, reusing, and redesigning — is the way forward!
What is COP?
COP stands for Conference of the Parties and it is the annual meeting of all the countries which signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - a treaty from 1994.
The 29th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) will bring together member states representatives to Baku to accelerate action towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC. COP meets every year to review and measure progress made towards the achievement of the objectives to limit climate change.
Related articles & publications
Walking the COP or not?
At COP29 in Baku, leaders finally reached an agreement on climate finance—but it fell far short of what’s needed. Wealthier countries, including the EU, failed to take bold steps to support vulnerable populations and phase out fossil fuels. The European Youth Forum stands with youth activists worldwide, demanding real accountability and policies that prioritize future generations and the planet over empty promises.
Reaction to the EU 2040 climate target from European youth networks
Youth organisations welcome the commitment of the European Commission to an
increased ambition in putting forward the reduction target of 90% by 2040. However,
concerns arise regarding the level of target’s ambition, heavy reliance on technology to
achieve this target and ignoring the importance of addressing resource overconsumption.
#COP28: Time for a new climate narrative 🌍✨
As everyone tunes into COP28, it's not just another climate summit—it's our moment to shift the conversation and focus on issues that are usually left in the shadows. While we talk a lot about decarbonisation and green economies, there's a key part we’re missing from the puzzle: our consumption habits.