Fund more, fly less: A hybrid meeting cycle for more effective and equitable climate governance

The annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's Conference of Parties (COP) has long served as a keystone of global climate diplomacy. However, concerns are growing that its current format may be increasingly resource- and carbon-intensive, and could limit the meaningful participation of low-income groups. This Perspective proposes a hybrid reform to the COP cycle: biennial in-person summits alternating with virtual thematic sessions in intervening years. This reform would redirect financial and institutional resources toward more inclusive participation and frontline climate action, particularly in the Global South. It offers a timely opportunity to realign global climate diplomacy with efficiency and impact.