Category: Uncategorized (Page 5 of 74)

As COP29 moves into its second week, the surreal world of climate negotiations has proven to be both fascinating and disillusioning. If you’ve ever been to Disneyland and observed the fervor of adults collecting pins, you’ll understand the unexpected dynamics of this climate conference. Pavilion pins have become the unofficial currency of COP29, their acquisition a game of connections, timing, and persistence. This lighthearted but competitive phenomenon encapsulates the layers of exclusivity and camaraderie that define the broader negotiations taking place here in Baku.

The Pavilion Pin Craze
The scramble for pavilion pins is nothing short of a spectacle. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) pin, for instance, vanishes by 9 a.m. each day, and whispers about secret stashes circulate among attendees like urban legends. Some pavilions tuck their pins away in mysterious back rooms, accessible only to VIPs. While it might seem trivial, the pin frenzy reflects a deeper truth: at COP29, networking and visibility are as critical as the technical aspects of negotiation. Everyone is vying for a piece of representation, whether through symbolic pins or substantive policy wins.

The Reality of COP29: Finance Takes Center Stage
Dubbed the “Finance COP,” COP29 has a heavy focus on the economic mechanisms underpinning global climate action, from loss and damage funding to new collective quantified goals (NCQGs) for climate finance. For someone with little interest in finance, this emphasis has been both overwhelming and frustrating. Key deadlines for resolving issues like loss and damage funding and setting NCQGs have come and gone without resolution. These delays highlight the challenges of aligning priorities among developed and developing nations, a dynamic that continues to stall meaningful progress.
Despite this financial focus, grassroots and community-based solutions shine as beacons of hope. Pavilion panels showcase a wealth of scientific innovations and local efforts to combat climate change, even as formal negotiations falter. These grassroots movements remind us that real climate action often happens outside the conference rooms, driven by people who refuse to wait for bureaucratic consensus.

Health at the Forefront
For me, following health-related discussions has provided a much-needed focus amid the maze of technical jargon and policy debates. The intersection of health and climate is gaining traction as a critical topic, with panelists emphasizing the urgent need to address climate-related health risks. From heat-related illnesses to the spread of vector-borne diseases, the health impacts of climate change are immediate and tangible, making this area of discussion particularly impactful.
These panels have also underscored the disproportionate burden faced by vulnerable populations, where the lack of infrastructure and resources exacerbates health crises. While the overarching negotiations feel stalled, these focused dialogues offer a glimpse of what meaningful collaboration could achieve.

Pavilion Panels: A Source of Optimism
The pavilions at COP29 are where optimism thrives. They bring together scientists, community leaders, and activists to share innovative projects and success stories. From renewable energy pilots in remote areas to climate-resilient agriculture initiatives, these presentations are a stark contrast to the gridlock of the formal talks. They’re also a reminder of the power of collective action at the grassroots level—a sharp contrast to the exclusivity of pin collecting and high-level negotiations.

The Stalemate: Loss and Damage and NCQGs
One of the most frustrating aspects of COP29 has been the lack of progress on critical issues like loss and damage funding. Developing nations, which are disproportionately affected by climate change, continue to push for financial mechanisms that ensure accountability and equitable support. Meanwhile, developed nations wrestle with balancing their domestic priorities against global responsibilities. The NCQGs—a framework for future climate finance commitments—are another contentious topic, with nations unable to agree on numbers, timelines, or accountability measures.
These delays have cast a shadow over the conference, raising questions about the efficacy of the COP process. If these critical issues remain unresolved, the credibility of future climate summits could be at risk.

Reflections: Beyond the Negotiations
COP29 has been an eye-opening experience, far removed from the idealized vision I had before arriving. It’s a space where high-stakes negotiations coexist with the absurdities of pin-collecting and pavilion chatter. Yet beneath the chaos, there is a persistent undercurrent of hope and determination. Whether through the resilience of grassroots movements or the urgency of health-focused discussions, the fight against climate change continues, even when the formal process seems paralyzed.
As the second week unfolds, the question remains: will COP29 deliver the breakthroughs needed to meet our climate goals, or will it serve as yet another reminder of the complexities and limitations of global diplomacy? Only time will tell, but for now, the Disneyland of climate negotiations remains as colorful and convoluted as ever.

For the remainder of my time in Baku, I mainly explored the country pavilions, networked with attendees, and listened to various panels to gain insights and build connections.

On November 16, I attended a session at the World Bank’s pavilion on Measuring Climate Risks for Smarter Adaptation and Mitigation Solutions, hosted by the IMF. The experts emphasized the critical role of data and highlighted ongoing efforts to make data more accessible. To better measure climate risks, they identified three key strategies:

1. Capacity Building: Enhancing skills and resources for data analysis and interpretation.
2. Improving Data Quantity and Quality: This includes initiatives like building the Climate Change Indicators Dashboards.
3. Using Advanced Statistics and Methodologies: For example, the Data Gaps Initiative.

The IMF also stressed the importance of collaboration with international organizations and insights from diverse experts. However, they acknowledged significant challenges, such as limited access to data, understanding country-specific needs, and barriers like inadequate technology in regions such as Mozambique. To address these, the IMF and partner institutions are conducting research at the country level and generating tailored reports.

Later, I attended Singapore’s session titled Trust & Transparency in a World on Fire. On February 28, 2024, Singapore announced plans to implement mandatory climate-related disclosure (CRD) requirements for listed and large non-listed companies in alignment with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards, starting as early as 2025. This initiative aims to guide companies in setting clear sustainability goals by providing useful tools, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing capital, and establishing climate transition plans. To build capacity, experts discussed plans to assess company priorities, offer training materials, and foster collaboration among institutions to explore technological solutions for various challenges.

In the afternoon, I serendipitously stopped by the Chinese pavilion, where the speaker was discussing the Carbon Generalized System of Preferences (CGSP)—a topic closely aligned with my research interests. CGSP is a framework that uses monetary and non-monetary incentives to encourage sustainable behaviors. The professor highlighted their collaboration with the Quzhou Branch of the People’s Bank of China to establish “bank carbon accounts” for individuals. Their organization is working on implementing standards to quantify and measure carbon emissions while involving diverse stakeholders, including banks and NGOs, to enhance the project’s sustainability. After the talk, I had the opportunity to network with the professor, gaining valuable insights into CGSP.

The week at COP flew by, and I regret not having more time to explore the conference and Baku. I hope to attend another COP in the future. When I left, many critical topics—such as the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and the loss and damage fund—were still under negotiation. I hope future COPs will focus on more genuine, practical high-level negotiations rather than reiterating old discussions and diverting from urgent agendas.

While my first COP has ended, the pursuit of climate action continues.

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.

I’m writing this blog post as I unwind from my first day at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The trip from Durham, North Carolina, was long and exhausting, and the time difference is certainly taking its toll on us Practicum students. However, as I sit here reflecting, I realize how incredible this experience is shaping up to be. We (Practicum students) all come from diverse backgrounds, and while we boarded the same flight to Baku, our individual journeys to this moment have been anything but identical.

This morning marked my official arrival at COP, but my personal “road to Baku” began long ago. My first exposure to climate negotiations happened during my undergraduate studies in International Relations, through Model United Nations (MUN). In those simulations, I acted as a delegate negotiating on behalf of various governments, learning about complex global issues like climate change and environmental policy. At the time, the idea of attending a real COP—the very conferences we role-played in MUN—felt distant and abstract, like something reserved for seasoned professionals. And yet, here I am today, experiencing it firsthand.

Looking back, MUN taught me invaluable lessons about diplomacy, collaboration, and the intricacies of global governance. But it also highlighted how removed many young people can feel from real-world policymaking. In MUN, we debated issues with theoretical detachment, but COP29 is far from theoretical. Here, decisions have real consequences—consequences that will shape our collective future.

The journey from MUN to COP wasn’t a straight path. The practicum course I joined at Duke served as a critical stepping stone, preparing me for the complexity of these negotiations. Through this program, I’ve deepened my understanding of climate governance, explored frameworks like the Paris Agreement, and practiced the kind of stakeholder engagement that defines COP. The practicum also introduced me to the challenge of balancing optimism with realism, particularly when addressing the urgent need for climate action in the face of political and economic constraints.

A pivotal moment in my preparation came during the course’s simulation exercise. Revisiting the MUN-style negotiations with a more critical and nuanced perspective, I realized how much I had grown. This time, I wasn’t just thinking about hypothetical outcomes; I was considering how real-world factors—such as national interests, geopolitical tensions, and financial constraints—shape every decision. The exercise reinforced that while ideal solutions may exist in theory, the reality of climate diplomacy often involves compromise, patience, and persistence. “Diplomacy”, as the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mark Libby stated during a private discussion with US Universities’ students on Tuesday, “is an iterative process”.

Now, being in Baku at COP29 feels surreal. Walking through the conference venue, I was struck by the  diversity of voices—government representatives, activists, academics, and private sector leaders—all converging to address the climate crisis. The energy in the air is electric, a mix of urgency and hope.

As I settle into the rhythm of COP, I’m reminded of why I chose to pursue this path. Being here isn’t just about observing; it’s about contributing to a global dialogue by questioning the status quo and sharing my perspective as a Bolivian citizen. The long flight, the jet lag, and the steep learning curve are all worth it. This is more than a conference—it’s a call to action. COP29 is both a culmination of my journey and the start of something much bigger. Let’s see where it takes me.

Finance has been front of mind for national delegations at this year’s COP. As countries decide on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, there is chatter inside and outside the negotiation rooms about how climate finance can best be scaled in a way that is equitable and accessible. Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to attend several panel discussions that dove into this topic. I was particularly interested in understanding how the private sector can do a better job of supporting climate finance – moving away from loans and towards collaborative investment.

Below are a few key takeaways from these discussions.

Insurance has a major role to play in climate finance

Involving the private sector in climate finance requires derisking transactions. At a panel in the Singapore Pavilion, experts discussed how it is difficult to derisk climate investments because current insurance models are not built for the sector. Because this space is still nascent, insurers and investors have not developed a forward price curve to manage risk. This means that insurers must review projects on a case-by-case basis, which often leads to high insurance expenses. For this reason, projects are often left to choose between risk and profitability a tradeoff that can quickly turn off investors when more lucrative opportunities are available.

Energy finance is lacking in the global south

At an event hosted by the Climate Reality Project, panelists spoke about how limited access to finance is holding back the deployment of renewables in Africa. While the continent has 60 percent of the global potential for solar power, it currently has fewer solar panels than the state of Florida. Panelists outlined that this is partially due to the fact that renewable energy development is often funded by private capital, which has historically shied away from projects in developing nations.

Public finance from developed nations (as committed under the NCQG) could be a major step in supporting Africa’s green energy expansion. While the panel did not touch on how to incentivize green private finance in Africa, I wonder how enhanced insurance and derisking efforts could also have a role to play in solving this problem when public finance falls short.

Nations are finding creative ways to finance the energy transition

In another event at the Singapore Pavilion, the Monetary Authority of Singapore hosted a panel discussion on the Transition Credits Coalition (TRACTION), which brings together public, private, and nonprofit institutions to analyze a potential market for energy transition credits in Asia. I was particularly excited to attend this discussion because I had a small role in supporting RMI, the coalition’s secretariat, in its work on this project.

TRACTION is taking a unique approach to financing the energy transition by studying how transition credits could be issued to finance the early retirement of coal plants. Ideally, proceeds from the sale of these transition credits would replace the coal plant’s foregone future revenues while also supporting the development of equitable and durable renewable energy projects. This coalition-based approach to financing offers an interesting example of how public and private actors can combine their strengths to accelerate the energy transition.