As the UNFCCC COP25 kicked off yesterday in Madrid, I sit in Durham following along from across the world. After a semester of studying the history, key issues, and challenges of the UNFCCC, the course will culminate with the opportunity to attend the second week of the 25th Conference of the Parties. However, it is not only the almost 200 nations signatories who are looking to act on climate change – COP also has a large presence from non-state actors, such as non-profits and research organizations. With this international gathering of more than 25,000 people, it begs the question: Can COP25 really provide a path to step up ambition and make progress on climate action?
The conference itself has experienced some turbulence as it has changed location three times in the course of its planning and execution. Originally, COP25 was slated to be held in Brazil, but the large international player changed its mind and neighbor Chile stepped in to host. Unfortunately, social unrest in Chile led to a last minute venue change to the current location, Madrid, Spain. Amid the craziness, our UN Practicum course managed to keep up and all the students will be attending one week of the two-week negotiations and working directly with clients while attending the COP.
The chance to attend the negotiations and participate in COP25 activities is a true learning experience. Since the Paris Agreement in 2015, there has been greater focus and media coverage on international action on climate change. In fact, COP25 will continue to clarify and adopt some of the outstanding language and rules of the Paris Agreement. During this momentous experience, it is difficult to grapple with the fact that the United States is currently working to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. It cannot be ignored that the United States has a role to play in international climate action as one of the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitters.
A ray of hope in the United States’ action on climate change is that cities, states, private corporations, and non-government organizations are stepping up where there is a lack of federal action and direction. I am interested to see how this local ambition plays out on the international stage at COP25. In particular, our class spent time discussing some of the pressures and challenges that face local United States governments when attempting to progress beyond federal action. This political roadblock is only one of many when trying to truly increase ambition on climate change.
While attending COP next week, I look forward to learning more about the politics behind the negotiations themselves as well as gaining a more realistic perspective on international policy. Climate change is a widespread issue in which emissions vary by country, but the effects cross many international boundaries. In addition, the countries that bear the impacts are not always the largest emitters. Therefore, how does international policy that is not legally enforceable best respond to climate change and ensure targets are met? With so many countries and stakeholders involved, there is no easy fix for climate change on the international stage. I am eager to arrive in Madrid and hopefully witness positive progress at COP25 that increases collective ambition and inspires people to address climate change at home.
