COP17 on Biodiversity and COP31 on Climate: Two Global Meetings to Protect the Planet

The UN’s COP17 on biodiversity is taking place in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 19 to 30, 2026, followed by COP31 on climate in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20. The conferences aim to strengthen international cooperation in response to climate change and accelerating biodiversity loss. COP17 is assessing progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, which includes targets to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems and conserve 30% of land, inland waters and marine areas by 2030. Delegates are also expected to identify delays and strengthen resources to protect species threatened by human activities.