By: Haley Neuenfeldt Amidst the whirlwind of discussions and negotiations at COP28, there was an unmistakable energy that set it apart from the pessimism of climate policy discussions. It wasn't just about drafting policies or hammering out agreements; it was about something much bigger—transformation. And at the heart of this transformation were the vibrant exchanges …
Continue reading COP28 Chronicles: Transformative Tales of Energy, Finance, and Collaboration
Going to COP28 was both an honor and a moral dilemma. As I embarked on the journey to attend the conference in Dubai, I was acutely aware of the paradoxical nature of the conference: the urgency to address the climate crisis and the carbon footprint generated by thousands of individuals traveling to and from a …
Continue reading Feeling Empowered: Communities Collaborating to Drive Climate Action at COP28
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement stands out as a pivotal piece in the intricate web of international climate negotiations. COP28 brought forth both triumphs and challenges in the pursuit of climate action. I will first provide an overview of what Article 6 entails— particularly 6.2 and 6.4—and why it stands as a linchpin in …
Tapping into the Hidden Potential of Food Waste Panel at COP28 For the first time in COP's history, an entire day was dedicated to discussion on emission reduction in food and agriculture which account for one third of all CO2 emissions (Food & Resiliency Food Production and Partnerships, COP28). We've all heard time and again, …
Continue reading What’s for dinner? Food and agriculture rising to center stage at cop28
The world’s biggest climate meeting, the United Nation’s 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), concluded in Dubai with new agreements set on handling the climate change crisis. Negotiators agreed on topics like funding aid for those most vulnerable to climate change, transitions away from fossil fuel, investment in alternative energy sources, etc. During the first …
Continue reading Historic milestones for nuclear energy at COP28
Throughout COP28, leaders worldwide talked about equity and justice, but what work are they doing to center frontline communities in these discussions? The conversation must start with community engagement in policy decision-making to ensure frontline voices are heard and integrated into policies. Ensuring an equitable transition to clean energy can have positive impacts on all …
Continue reading Climate Justice and Community Engagement Themes From COP28
In December, our group of 16 University of Michigan graduate students had the honor of attending the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) in Dubai, UAE, the meeting of the supreme decision-making body of United Nations Climate Change (the UNFCCC). As students, attending COP 28 presented an opportunity to be involved in the process as …
Continue reading Progress, Public Engagement, and Greenwashing at COP 28
COP28 was a significant COP for nuclear energy, being referred to as the ‘nuclear COP’ by many people. This is primarily because of two key accomplishments: Declaration to triple nuclear energy capacity by more than 20 countries. ‘Nuclear’ being included in the final COP decision text for the first time. These things didn’t happen overnight; …
Continue reading Lessons Learned in Nuclear Communication at COP28
The conclusion of COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates marks the end of the first Global Stocktake set forth by the Paris Agreement. This process, which largely assesses the progress of countries at achieving their nationally determined contributions and collective progress towards keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius, lays the groundwork for …
Continue reading Investing in our Future: Uplifting Youth Voices at COP 28
Climate change is exacerbating the gender divide Approximately half of the world’s GDP is dependent on the sustainable management of ecosystems. With 1.2 billion jobs in farming, fishing, forestry, and tourism at risk due to climate change, up to 158 million more women and girls may be pushed into poverty globally by mid-century––16 million more …
Continue reading Gender and Climate Change: Taking Stock at COP28
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