Arriving at COP29, I quickly realized that this wasn’t just a conference but a confluence of ideas, activism, and solutions for a sustainable future. From grassroots protests to high-level discussions, the atmosphere was charged with purpose and urgency.
The first day began with a powerful protest led by representatives of the Niger Delta communities in Nigeria, demanding reparations for decades of environmental degradation caused by oil companies. This demonstration was a reminder of the human cost of environmental negligence and the urgent need for justice in climate action. The sessions I attended afterward at the Nigerian Pavilion emphasized practical ways to empower youths with the skills required for a green transition. This focus on actionable solutions for the youth was refreshing and essential. Meanwhile, at the UNFCCC pavilion, a session titled “The Digital Climate Library: Art, AI, and the Climate Narrative — Bridging Digital Access and Global Action” highlighted the role of technology and storytelling to amplify climate voices. It was interesting to learn how digital innovations like Web3 can bridge gaps and foster global collaboration.
The next day started by attending a session titled “Unlocking the Newfound Potential of Geothermal Energy” where I was quite impressed with the potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable and widely adoptable renewable source of energy. I had an insightful conversation on the sidelines with Sam Abraham, a member of the panel, which further expanded my understanding of the potential of geothermal energy. Another highlight was the Presidential briefing on methane reduction from organic waste. Leaders from the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) Champions shared actionable steps, including the United States announcement to update its Clean Air Act emissions standards for municipal solid waste landfills by 2025. The UAE also shared plans to reduce methane emissions from its waste sector, targeting a 50% landfill diversion by 2025 and 80% by 2031. These commitments reflect the critical role of methane reduction in global climate strategies.
COP29 has already proven to be an impactful experience—a space where grassroots advocacy, technological innovation, and policy intersect to tackle the climate crisis head-on. My biggest takeaway? The solutions are as diverse as the people here, and collaboration remains our strongest tool for change. The conference offers a powerful reminder that while the challenges are immense, the potential for meaningful change is even greater.
Mayowa Oladele is a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.