In a world with so many problems and conflicts why should we prioritize the climate crisis? Almost every single humanitarian challenge the world faces can be tied back to the climate crisis, and this was highlighted in many of the panels and discussions at COP29. Examples of these challenges include water scarcity and water wars, poverty, human rights issues, food scarcity, disease, and economic instability. Thus, we cannot work on solving these issues without considering and simultaneously finding solutions to the climate crisis. 

One of the parts of the conference I attended that especially highlighted this connection was the People’s Plenary, which was led by Rise for Climate Belgium. This meeting featured speakers who were personally on or have family who is on the frontlines of the Israel-Russia crisis. Speakers explained how this crisis reflects many of the environmental issues that already exist in this area. The purpose of this plenary meeting was to call attention to the intertwined climate and human rights issues that are present in this part of the world as well as the importance of developed countries stepping up and paying their share of climate reparations. For me, this was a very powerful, emotional, and motivating meeting that informed me on the crisis, its connections to climate, and how countries can work together to attempt to solve the conflict. 

The concept of environmental justice highlights the interconnectedness of climate and human rights issues, as it demonstrates how certain groups are disproportionately affected by environmental issues. The current situation in Gaza is one example of environmental injustice, but there are many other examples across the world.  

I attended the panel “Insights from the UNEP Emission Gap report and UNFCCC NDC Synthesis Report,” which discussed how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are significantly larger in many developed countries but are disproportionately affecting developing countries who are contributing very little to global GHG emissions. For example, U.S. GHG emissions are three times the global average and China’s GHG emissions are two times the global average. GHG emissions of these powerful and developed countries affecting developing countries is another example of environmental injustice.  

Another example is with water accessibility. The panel “Action on Water: Water Solutions for Climate Actions” explained how many developing countries, such as Indonesia, are experiencing the drying up of their wells and other water sources. However, these countries do not have the resources or finances for improving their water infrastructure or accessing water sources that are farther away, and worldwide over 2 billion people do not have access to water. In order to solve this problem, there are many organizations, such as Water.org and WaterEquity, working to finance water resilience programs and projects in developing countries. And, because of programs like these, $6 billion in capital has been created to provide 74 million people access to water through loans. 

When it comes to solving all of these problems, COP29 talked a lot about how education and youth involvement are key. Education is very important in order to solve the climate crisis and all of the issues connected to it because it gives people an understanding of the nature of these issues and how they can change their activities and actions to be a part of the solution instead of a part of the problem. Many discussions at COP29 included parts on the importance of incorporating climate education into curriculums and providing students with hands-on experiences where they are able to work on addressing environmental issues affecting their local community. As for youth involvement, empowering the younger generations to become involved in climate action is essential to creating a sustainable society. This is because the younger generations are the ones who are most directly impacted by climate change and thus can bring fresh perspectives and solutions as well as a sense of urgency. 

So, what does all of this mean for me, an undergraduate student in the United States? As an individual, it can be overwhelming to hear about a crisis as large and destructive as the climate crisis, especially when we are already at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference and there is still so much work that needs to be done in order to stay below 1.5°C of warming. However, it is important to focus on the progress that has been made and the glimmers of hope present in the renewable energy sector, local sustainable farming practices, divestment at universities, etc. Through attending COP29, I was able to gain a global perspective on the climate crisis and learn about solutions being developed and implemented across the world. I was able to see what is and isn’t working for countries as well as understand the collaborations occurring between countries and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). I was able to talk to other undergraduate students from peer institutions in the U.S. as well as from universities across the world. I was able to hear personal stories from people who are living on the frontlines of the climate crisis. I plan to bring all of this new learning back to UConn and channel it into the environmental work I have been doing, whether this be in my classes as an Environmental Sciences major or in the organizations I am a part of, such as the Soil and Water Conservation Society and Plant Futures. I also plan to take what I have learned from this experience and apply it to my work in the environmental field after college. I plan to either work for an environmental nonprofit or government agency with a focus on climate and water quality research and education. My experience at COP29 has given me knowledge and skills I can use when pursuing a career in developing and implementing climate solutions as well as educating the next generation of climate leaders. 

Amanda Stowe is a Environmental Science major in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.