COP29 is a true hodgepodge of information from countries, indigenous populations, corporations, nonprofits, and all the way down to the individual level. There has been a swarm of information from every corner of the climate crisis and from every stakeholder involved. On Monday, November 18, I attended the Green Zone, a less restrictive and more open space that featured the lived experiences of climate activists and panels on youth presence and solutions in the climate space. On Tuesday, November 19, I attended the Blue Zone, a more expansive area that features both closed and open negotiations, press conferences, and direct interaction with delegations, with the day focusing on food, agriculture, and water. Both zones showed that this conference is about spreading information and how we, as observers, engage with it.
In the Blue Zone, I have felt the urge to question all discussions, as I felt a lack of authentic connections with climate change. For example, the panel “Action on Water: Water Solutions for Climate Actions” emphasized water-inspired climate solutions and actions across the globe, with an emphasis on the leadership of youth, women, and local and indigenous communities. However, they did not feature the voices of those directly affected. Despite being a helpful and interesting panel on water solutions, it is important to recognize what is missing from the whole picture and what specific communities have to say about these solutions.
While in the Green Zone, I was exclusively hearing from those directly affected and adapting to climate change. One that stood out was Enkhuun Byambadorj, Director of Operations & Co-founder of Breathe Mongolia – Clean Air Coalition, who shared the narrative of coal in Mongolia. Her home has been disproportionately affected by climate change which has created a cycle of worsening air pollution that further endangers the livelihood of Mongolian citizens. Now, years later, the cycle has only gotten deeper and more difficult to leave. Enkhuun was able to connect a lived experience to her activism, with the purpose of educating and raising awareness. Recognizing the authenticity of her message made it easier to trust. She included the perspective of those affected (herself included) and solutions provided by the government, despite not being successful. Her only purpose was to shed light on the narratives being built and how those do not directly translate into easy action.
As a first time United Nations observer, my biggest takeaway was to critically engage with what I am hearing. This can be recognizing where the information flows from, the motives, and who is the audience. I think that will be crucial going into the last few days of COP29!
Naiiya Patel is an Accounting major in the School of Business.