Fourteen University of Connecticut student fellows attended COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, representing the university at a significant global climate conference. Many students prepared extensively and engaged with crucial discussions, expressing both challenges and positive insights from their experiences. They highlighted issues such as ‘greenwashing’ and the struggles of developing nations, and they plan to share their experiences further at an upcoming campus event.
Fourteen student fellows from the University of Connecticut participated in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan this November. The Office of Sustainability sponsored their attendance, continuing UConn’s tradition of involvement in global climate discussions since COP21 in 2015. Many attendees were first-time participants, who undertook various preparatory steps to enhance their experience. Dylan Steer, a fourth-year environmental studies student, expressed his eagerness to attend, reflecting on his past attempts to join previous conferences. Similarly, Kamala Chuss, a fourth-year marine science major, emphasized her lifelong preparation through her studies.
Prior to the conference, student registration included strict protocols for those wishing to protest, as Alan Cavagnaro pointed out, recounting an email from the government outlining registration requirements for any protest activities. During their time at the conference, the students engaged with critical debates regarding climate negotiations, particularly during the second week when discussions intensified. Divided into sections, attendees navigated between the Blue Zone—focused on negotiations—and the Green Zone, which showcased corporate sustainability initiatives.
Steer and his peers were critical of the Green Zone, calling it disheartening as they perceived many oil and gas companies engaging in ‘greenwashing.’ He highlighted SOCAR, the National Petroleum Company of Azerbaijan, which attempted to promote its sustainability efforts despite its focus on fossil fuels. Conversely, Chuss found the Blue Zone enriching, appreciating the insights gained from various pavilions and emphasizing the importance of scientific applications in negotiations.
During the conference, Cavagnaro recalled a poignant address by Fiji’s Attorney General, who emphasized the disparities faced by developing nations in meeting climate agreements. This sentiment resonated throughout the event, particularly during the People’s Plenary, where voices from conflict-affected regions presented the reality of the climate crisis interwoven with societal challenges. Steer remarked on the profound truths voiced during this discussion.
For those interested in further insights, a Climate Change Café is scheduled for December 4 in the Student Union Ballroom, where attendees will share their experiences from COP29.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP) is an annual summit where global representatives gather to discuss climate policy and solutions. COP29 is particularly notable as it continues a series of meetings that began at COP21 in 2015 in Paris, where the Paris Agreement was established. The conference serves as a platform for nations to communicate their climate action plans and for civil society, such as student representatives, to engage with global leaders and contribute to discussions on climate-related challenges and initiatives.
The participation of UConn students at COP29 underscores the university’s commitment to addressing climate change through active engagement in global dialogues. Their experiences highlight the complexities of climate negotiations and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Students gained valuable insights and expressed a commitment to furthering discussions on sustainability and environmental policy in upcoming forums, such as the Climate Change Café.
Original Source: dailycampus.com
