By David Akana It is always puzzling to witness the immense hype surrounding COPs (conferences of the parties to international conventions or treaties). Back in 2009, Barack Obama had just been elected U.S. President. His arrival in Copenhagen, the host city of that year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15), brought so many expectations. Some would argue that despite his star power, COP15 only managed a last-minute deal to save face. Despite the complexity of the climate COP, every year it is heralded as a crucial juncture in the ongoing battle against climate change. However, it…