First two days of UConn@COP29 in the books. What a privilege it is to be able to attend this event and speak with leaders from across the world about the existential threat of climate change. It is overwhelming how many panel discussions, networking events, booths, negotiations, press conferences, and general meetings there are to attend. Although agreement on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for necessary climate finance given to poor countries by rich countries appears unlikely, the inspiring and essential climate action I’ve seen from folks working at the local level gives me hope.
From conversations and attending events, I’ve learned about multiple agroecological initiatives throughout the Global South focused on integrating ecological practices into the agriculture process while empowering farmers. For example, Leodegario Velayo, a Filipino farmer, highlighted how MASIPAG (an organization dedicated to farmer empowerment) empowered him to face severe weather events including ever more frequent typhoons and droughts through farmer-to-farmer education programs focused on the development of diversified, climate resilient farming systems. This mirrors initiatives throughout much of the Global South aimed at empowering farmers and promoting sustainable practices. For example, Save Soil, a global movement to address the soil crisis, adopts a multipronged approach to incentivize farmers to adopt sustainable practices while empowering them through regenerative agriculture training and the development of farmer collectives.
There are so many more people and organizations I could highlight as glimmers of hope at this global conference that has thus far been defined by global inaction. In more than one discussion, I’ve heard folks express that because countries aren’t making progress, we have to. This statement by no means excuses national governments from taking utterly essential action. Rather, it is a statement of defiance. An intentional, impassioned, and necessary decision made by NGOs, community leaders, and activists to continue doing the hard work to combat climate change and empower the disempowered regardless of whether that activity alone will be sufficient to address this global challenge. We all must follow their lead.
Thomas Bonitz is a Ph.D. candidate in Geography in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.