In what seems like no time at all week two has come to a close here in Madrid. It has been an incredible experience, and I have many mixed emotions. I am truly humbled, saddened, and encouraged all at once. It is humbling to share the room with 33,000 people who have dedicated some capacity of their life to climate action, and it is exciting to see their clear ambition to progress forward. I am saddened that people most affected by climate change have an inadequate platform, their voices mostly unheard, and their stories untold. I am hopeful that courageous individuals like Ugandan youth striker (Hilda Flavia Nakabuye) have risked everything to be a climate advocate, and continue to be examples of perseverance. Over time I hope to process things further but in general attending COP was a terrific experience. There have been many thought-full discussions arranged, plenaries to attend, and side events to engage in.
Many ideas have come together for me this week. While the class was incredibility useful to build a foundation of knowledge, nothing can prepare you for the in person experience. I have been introduced to the details of article 6, party grouping diplomatic positions, general negotiating strategy, and so much more. Attending a variety of events has helped me to learn from a myriad of perspectives. Perspective is everything. There were many perspectives I heard while attending the COP; each actor brings a range of strengths and ideas about the current climate situation. Hearing a variety of perspectives has reminded me how far we have come, but it has also clearly outlined that continued progress is needed. Time and time again, we were reminded that the commitments made to date by county delegations (through NDCs) will not enable the world to stay within the 1.5 or 2-degree thresholds. Greater ambition is needed today.
I am grateful to have been able to share this experience with my classmates. I have met youth activists, politicians, and senior diplomats, each with their unique perspectives and priorities for how to move forward with implementation. While the platforms they leverage and their focuses here at COP 25 may differ these efforts intersect, and there is a shared desire for profound change and increased ambition for climate action.
Just a few short months ago, I would not have imagined having the opportunity to attend COP25. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity afforded to me by Duke, Bass Connections, our teaching assistants (Chi Mai and Corey), and our Professors (Billy and Jonathan). All of these actors have been instrumental in allowing our class to engage with and attend COP 25. It has been an incredible experience to attend COP. It has given me a lot to look forward to in a career and life beyond graduate school. There are opportunities to engage in the climate movement that I had not known existed. So I end in gratitude, thank you for affording me this opportunity.
