Author: Karimah Preston

As I write this blog on the plane ride home, my heart is heavy. I had this amazing opportunity to connect with climate leaders across the world and learn about the challenges and solutions in developing solutions for climate change. But there were no results so far. Negotiations have gone into overtime, and even today, the expected text has been pushed from being released from 10am to 5pm. It is likely that the 1.3 trillion dollar goal needed to support developing nations will not be reached. There are rumors of a walkout of major players, such as China.

In a word, I feel defeated. How can all these leaders not reach a consensus  after 2 weeks of deliberating? In situations such as these, the  robust lack of progress can be interpreted as the loss of that. In other words, if you  are not moving forward, you are moving backwards. I sat in on the negotiations for Sharm El Shiekh. They have been meeting for the past 3 months, but cannot make any progress or agree, so they have to start over. Two days before the end of COP29, negotiators are giving thoughts on what should be included in the first text of the preamble. A similar result in the GST Transparency negotiations, where parties can not agree on a draft text, so they cannot decide whether to send it to the presidency. How can anyone feel good about this?  Interestingly enough, the loudest voices in these rooms seem to be the biggest emitters. 

According to Wikepidaia: Public policy is an institutionalized proposal or a decided set of elements like laws, regulations, guidelines, and actions to solve or address relevant and real-world problems, guided by a conception and often implemented by programs. 

  I took this practicum course because I want to use innovation to help adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change. I want to understand what the industry is lacking, and  how policy can shape the solutions needed for climate change, and vice versa. I am disappointed because I did not see the core elements of public policy. There was no decision, action, or implementation in these negotiation rooms.Even more disappointing, it appears that the impact of public perception and influence guides decisions more than the to do the right thing. Specifically in the global north. Because of this, capable parties are not willing to concede for the greater good of the world. It is hard for me, as an engineer, to accept that politics is the driving factor in these negotiations, and the desire to solve climate change for the greater good. This can also possibly be due to all the promotion of and propaganda of COP29. “in solidarity for a green world” signs should be replaced with “I will only help to the extent that it does not inconvenience me”

To summarize COP29 negotiations in a phrase, there are too many chefs in the kitchen. Despite common interest among various parties, I am not  surprised that 190 nations could not agree on a single issue. ‘Is COP working?’ The question I keep hearing. From my short time in the public policy space, I say no. We can not even find agreement among the biggest issues (NDC, NQCG, Contributor base) so the smaller, yet important issues of loss and damage, accessibility, and transparency are lost in the wind.

It is almost dystopian in the way that all the signs will be torn down. The oil refineries in Baku, turned off for these ceremonies, will be turned back on. Least Developed Countries will return home and struggle to provide their people with basic needs, such as the ability to store food after it is harvested. And some of the loudest voices will return home to wealth, emissions, and continue that built at the expense of everyone around them.

I don’t know where COP will go from here. It is my desire to attend COP30 in Brazil, and to continue to do work that improves the lives of those that need it the most. What is clear to me, is the COP29 is a very hunger game, and every year, the victors are developed nations that fight and throw tantrums to avoid helping solve s problem they are responsible for. But maybe I am just a jaded engineer ….

Over the past few days at COP29, I’ve had the chance to visit many of the pavilions, which I’ve found to be one of the most engaging aspects of the event. These spaces provide an opportunity to connect directly with leaders and delegates from various nations, allowing for meaningful discussions on the climate issues they face and the innovative solutions they are pursuing. While the official negotiations are crucial, I believe the pavilions are where we see the most action—where collaboration and real-world solutions come to life. Many countries and organizations are showcasing impressive work on climate migration and adaptation, with beautifully designed displays to highlight their efforts.

What I find most enriching is the chance to meet and converse with leaders from different countries, learning about their unique journeys and perspectives on climate change. These conversations underscore the critical role each nation plays in the global response to this crisis.

I also had the privilege of visiting several pavilions from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which I’m particularly interested in. These nations face some of the most acute challenges when it comes to adapting to climate change, especially while trying to urbanize and develop. One event I found particularly insightful was the “Challenges of Accessing Solar Energy in Africa” session hosted by the International Solar Alliance. As of 2024, 33 of the 46 LDCs are located in Africa(1), many of which are situated in regions prone to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and cyclones—events that are becoming more frequent and intense.

These African LDCs are especially vulnerable due to their dependence on rain-fed agriculture, making them susceptible to unpredictable precipitation patterns that lead to food insecurity and economic instability. This scenario creates a complex challenge for these nations. They are ideal candidates for climate financing, yet much of the funding has yet to reach them. Interestingly, some higher-income nations have been more successful in accessing these funds. A case in point is Nigeria. A representative from Nigeria’s Ministry shared that the country had secured a World Bank loan to develop a solar site and plans to acquire additional funding from Japan. While they acknowledged the high interest rates on these loans, they still viewed them as a positive step forward. It’s important to note, however, that Nigeria has the highest overall income in Africa(2), so while they were able to utilize private funding, loans may not be the best option for other LDCs.

This situation contrasts sharply with The Gambia, which has one of the lowest GDPs in Africa. I had the opportunity to speak with Bafoday Sanyang, the National Ozone Officer at The Gambia’s National Environment Agency. He proudly referred to the country as “The Smiling Coast of Africa,” and we discussed how LDCs like The Gambia are struggling not just with climate change, but with providing energy for basic needs. Unlike developed nations transitioning to renewable energy, LDCs often need relatively low-capacity energy systems to address fundamental needs like heating, cooking, and food preservation.

However, these countries face numerous challenges: high upfront costs, expensive repairs, technology gaps, and even a negative stigma surrounding solar energy. During the session, a young woman shared a personal story about how her family had received funding for a solar system, but it didn’t work at night or during the rain. In some parts of Africa, solar is still seen as a “poor man’s technology,” whereas electricity is often associated with wealth. This is a stark contrast to the perspective of solar energy in the United States, where it is seen as a cutting-edge, upper-class technology.

Another country facing solar integration challenges is Mozambique, which ranks as the third-largest LDC by GDP (1). While Mozambique is more developed than many other LDCs, it still faces significant barriers to adopting renewable energy solutions. At a panel on “Local Experiences on Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation,” representatives from ADPP discussed how they are educating local communities about climate change and introducing solar-powered stoves to meet cooking needs.

These solar projects in LDCs are vastly different from my work as a solar designer in the United States. In the U.S., funding and expertise are often more readily available, and the solar systems are much larger in scale. Thanks to programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there is clear financial backing and a direct path for developers to implement solar projects. In contrast, LDCs like The Gambia and Mozambique struggle with funding and technical expertise, requiring more targeted support for solar integration.

Interestingly, this situation mirrors the challenges faced by Enfield, North Carolina, a town where I’m working on integrating solar energy. Like many LDCs, Enfield faces challenges with upfront investment and repair costs. With a prominent agricultural sector, the town is keen on transitioning to renewable energy without disrupting local agriculture. There is also a significant need for community support, which is a common theme in many LDCs.

What strikes me most in comparing these cases is how similar the challenges are between LDCs in Africa and rural communities in the U.S. As we explore the unique challenges each nation faces, it becomes clear that we need a comprehensive framework to support solar integration in regions that would benefit most from this technology. The message from COP29 is clear: while we outline what should be included in climate financing for adaptation and mitigation, we must also ensure that nations have a clear roadmap to transition to low-carbon, renewable energy systems. Each nation has different resources, but it is evident that many lack the capacity to integrate solar energy without external support.

Overall, COP29 has highlighted the need for more targeted and equitable support for solar energy deployment, especially in the world’s most vulnerable nations. By understanding the challenges and providing the necessary resources, we can help ensure that solar energy becomes a viable solution for everyone.

1. https://unctad.org/topic/least-developed-countries/list

2. https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/08/here-are-the-richest-countries-in-africa//#:~:text=With%20a%20GDP%20estimated%20at,of%20Egypt%20and%20South%20Africa.

Today marked my first official day at COP29, and it has been nothing short of transformative. After arriving in the early hours of the morning, I managed only an hour of sleep before my adrenaline kicked in. Despite the exhaustion, the anticipation of what lay ahead fueled my excitement. By 8:30 AM, I was at the venue, utterly captivated by the sheer magnitude of the event. Delegates from all corners of the globe filled the space, yet everything operated seamlessly. Even with the vast number of attendees, obtaining my badge was a smooth and efficient process. 

The Blue Zone

The energy in the room was palpable. It was unlike anything I had experienced before—a convergence of power, influence, and determination to tackle one of humanity’s greatest challenges. As I made my way to the pavilion, my awe deepened. The space was a harmonious blend of art, science, and policy, each pavilion thoughtfully designed to showcase innovative solutions and groundbreaking ideas. With over a hundred pavilions, the sheer scale was overwhelming, but also incredibly inspiring. I stopped briefly at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) pavilion, engaging in a conversation about the challenges they face in achieving these ambitious goals. The representatives were brimming with optimism and a sense of urgency, sharing tangible progress and innovative strategies. It was a hopeful exchange, one that reminded me of the profound potential of collective action. Their enthusiasm reignited my own hope—not just for the future of my career but for the future of our planet. 

Meeting with the US Ambassador 

My time at the pavilion was cut short by a meeting with the United States Ambassador to Azerbaijan, an experience that proved equally exhilarating. We were escorted to the U.S. Embassy, where we relinquished all electronic devices before entering a secure meeting room. The discussion that followed was both enlightening and thought-provoking. The Ambassador shared insights into the complex history of U.S.-Azerbaijan relations and highlighted how hosting an event of this magnitude could bolster a nation’s political influence on the global stage. I’ve never met an ambassador before and the breath of knowledge he possessed was amazing. My favorite quote (not a direct quote)  in response to the evolving  economy in belief to  was “The economy is not like a stray cat, its  swarm of bees with many players. There’s so many players so a couple players will not sway the entire economy. ” It was fascinating to witness diplomacy in action, and even more special to connect with a Duke alumnus present at the meeting. He generously treated us to lunch, where we enjoyed delicious local cuisine and exchanged perspectives on how COP29 compares to previous conferences.

Upon returning to the Blue Zone, I faced the difficult decision of choosing between revisiting the pavilion and attending a series of compelling sessions. Ultimately, my focus on technology and innovation in climate solutions guided my choice. These sessions underscored the critical role of emerging technologies in addressing climate change and offered practical pathways to a more sustainable future. The session “UNFCCC TEC Technology Day on Transformative Industry” offered unique perspectives on decarbonizing the construction industry. In the power sector, overall emissions, but in the assembling. Another key message is that T that Countries need the right level of ambition for NDC but hold industries accountable, and I completely agree

Navigating such an expansive event can be daunting, particularly as someone outside the realm of public policy. However, I am fortunate to be part of a cohort that is both knowledgeable and supportive. Our teaching assistant Gabriela, and colleagues, Felicia, Dima, Vanessa, and Sameer—have been invaluable in helping us make the most of this experience. Their guidance and encouragement provide a sense of belonging and confidence as I continue to explore the vast opportunities at COP29. I am eager to learn, grow, and find my place in this dynamic space.