This year’s “Conference of the Parties,” or COP, is officially underway. Now in its 23rd year, organizations have an opportunity to understand its purpose and meaning for the public and private sectors. The COP traces its roots back to the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, which set out a framework for action aimed at avoiding climate impact. Today, the conference boasts a near-universal membership of 196 countries, carrying forward the mission of addressing leading climate issues facing the world.