After an exhausting journey that included a 12-hour layover in Frankfurt and a delayed flight, I arrived at our Airbnb in Baku at 5 a.m.—physically drained but excited about what the day would bring. Although I didn’t get into the Blue Zone until mid-afternoon, the few hours I spent at COP29 on my first day were enough to leave me both inspired and impressed!

Session 1: Regional Collaboration for Climate Action 

The first session I attended, “Regional Collaboration to Accelerate Climate Action and the Implementation of the Paris Agreement,” offered a fascinating look at how regional cooperation can drive meaningful climate solutions.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of tailoring solutions to fit local needs, even within shared regional challenges. Transparency was highlighted as a cornerstone of effective climate action, with Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) serving as a foundation for credible Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

A standout moment came from a speaker representing the Pacific subregion, whose remarks were both powerful and pragmatic. He stressed that regional organizations in the Pacific are already strong and should be leveraged instead of replaced by external programs. He also called attention to the critical need for funding to be aligned with environmental goals, pointing out the contradiction of trillions of dollars flowing into activities that harm the planet.

 

 Session 2: Small Farmers and the Bioeconomy 

The second session, “Agriculture Practiced by Small Farmers: Regenerative Techniques as an Essential Agent in Mitigating Climate Change,” was particularly exciting because it connected directly to my master thesis on sustainable agriculture and water scarcity in Brazil.

The panel underscored the immense value of small-scale farmers—who number over 500 million globally—in promoting regenerative practices that enhance resilience and mitigate climate change. From nitrogen-fixing plants to bioeconomy innovations like bioethanol and biogas, the session illustrated how these farmers could drive sustainability while addressing issues like supply chain disruptions and unpredictable weather.

Brazil stood out as a model, with programs like the “A Million Cisterns” initiative providing water to family farmers and fostering resilience. The session also showcased how farmers can adopt regenerative practices to store carbon in soil and adapt to unpredictable weather patterns, thereby creating more sustainable systems.

The highlight of the session was my interaction with Francisco Mello, a climate change specialist from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. I had the chance to speak with him about my thesis, and he generously offered to share resources that could strengthen my research. This moment reminded me of the incredible opportunities COP offers for connecting academic work with real-world expertise.

 

Exploring the Green Zone 

Between sessions, I explored the Green Zone, which was an inspiring showcase of global creativity and collaboration. The exhibits were vibrant and diverse, reflecting the innovative spirit of climate solutions and providing a refreshing counterbalance to the intense discussions in the Blue Zone.

 

 Reflections 

My first day at COP29 may have been short, but it was nothing short of transformative. The sessions were insightful, the speakers brought new perspectives, and the connections I made were invaluable. The Pacific subregion speaker’s emphasis on leveraging local frameworks and Francisco Mello’s encouragement for my research were moments that stood out and inspired me to think more deeply about my work and its broader context.

I am looking forward to the rest of the conference, eager to build on this strong start and continue exploring the intersections of policy, science, and action in addressing the global climate crisis.