Kuala Lampur, Jan. 8 -- The last three United Nations climate conferences - COP28 in Dubai, COP29 in Baku, and COP30 in Belem, Brazil - offer lessons that extend beyond climate negotiation outcomes. They reveal how the location of climate diplomacy shapes who can participate, and how host cities absorb the impacts of what may be termed 'COP tourism'.

COP tourism refers to the temporary but intense influx of delegates, civil society groups, researchers, media, and observers into a host city during a Conference of the Parties (COP). While this surge can generate economic activity and global visibility, it also places significant pressure on urban transport systems, accommodation markets, and governance capacity.

The economic impact was ex...