Author: Mortensen, Betsy

The Flow of Information at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan – Naiiya Patel

Naiiya Patel at COP29COP29 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.

A panel on water at COP29
A panel on water at COP29

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.

Naiiya Patel with the former President of Finland Tarja Halonen
Naiiya Patel with the former President of Finland Tarja Halonen

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.

Beyond the Criticism, Toward Climate Solutions – Mariam Vargas

Mariam VargasAttending COP29 as a young college student, it’s easy to get swept up in the negative rhetoric surrounding the conference. Criticisms abound, whether it’s the choice of Azerbaijan as the host—a major oil-producing country with a contentious human rights record—or the constant media headlines questioning the efficacy of the event: “Should We Get Rid of COP?” or “Climate Negotiations Going Nowhere.” Concerns about private sector involvement, from corporate pavilions to lobbying efforts, add fuel to the skepticism. But here’s the thing: focusing solely on the negatives doesn’t move us forward. Criticism is important for progress, and institutions like COP must be held accountable. However, dwelling on flaws without working towards solutions, risks derailing the very goals the conference aims to achieve. Over the first two days in the Green Zone, I’ve encountered a more nuanced perspective—one that prioritizes collaboration over condemnation.

Takeaway 1: Context Matters

One of the first lessons I’ve learned is the importance of understanding the broader context behind so-called “polluters.” From a position of privilege, it’s easy to judge, but the reality for many is far more complex. Take Mongolia, for example. Due to harsh winters and a lack of energy infrastructure, many Mongolian households rely on burning coal for heat. While this contributes to pollution, it’s not a choice—it’s a necessity for survival. This isn’t an individual failing but a systemic issue, where governments must step up to provide sustainable alternatives. Blaming individuals for polluting ignores the structures that force them into these situations. True solutions require addressing those root causes.

mariam vargas

Takeaway 2: The Role of the Private Sector

Another realization is that the private sector plays a critical role in climate funding and innovation. For nations in the Global South, smaller islands, and low-income countries, transitioning to renewable energy or building climate-resilient economies isn’t feasible without significant financial support. Private sector funding can bridge this gap, providing the resources needed to implement solutions and foster innovation. While skepticism towards corporate motives is valid, dismissing their involvement outright undermines the potential for progress. Strategic partnerships with the private sector can drive tangible change and empower nations to develop their own sustainable solutions.

mariam vargas

Takeaway 3: COP Is Imperfect—But Essential

My final takeaway is that COP, despite its flaws, is irreplaceable. Calls to abandon the conference or dismiss it entirely ignore its unique value. For many smaller nations, COP represents a rare chance to voice their concerns on a global stage. Indigenous communities share their knowledge and experiences, scientists present groundbreaking research, and underrepresented nations demand attention from larger powers. Yes, COP has its challenges. But instead of allowing criticism to overshadow its purpose, we must work within the system to improve it. Progress requires collaboration, and COP provides a platform where diverse voices come together to tackle one of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Mariam Vargas is a Political Science and International Relations individualized major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Making Waves: Water as a Key Component to Solving the Climate Crisis – Amanda Stowe

Amanda Stowe at COP29My experience at COP29 thus far has been eye opening. I have attended a variety of panels, events, and networking sessions that have allowed me to learn more about a variety of environmental issues, meet and talk to students and professionals from across the globe, and better understand the efforts being made by countries to address the climate crisis.  

Something that stood out to me is that water appears to be one of the most underrated but key components to addressing climate change. When it comes to water, it was interesting to hear many panelists say that it is important to look at water in terms of adaptation and as an opportunity instead of as a problem. This is because although water quality and accessibility are issues that essentially every country faces to some degree, water also provides many opportunities for innovation and renewable energy generation.  

One of the panels on water that I found most interesting was “Action on Water: Water solutions for climate actions” because it talked about the water issues the world is facing but also discussed the importance of involving local people when working on and implementing projects. For example, when it comes to water use in agriculture, panelist Sharon Cherono, Project Officer for Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF), discussed the importance of presenting information to farmers in a more relatable way. By effectively communicating with farmers, as a society we can shift to more sustainable farming practices.  Panelists speaking at COP29

It was also explained during this panel that countries are working on a variety of projects to protect water resources, including the Freshwater Challenge, which is the largest global freshwater initiative. It is focused on restoring 300,000 km of freshwater and 350 ha of wetlands. Additionally, there is often a focus on water wars and conflicts between countries over access to and ownership of water. However, I have seen through several of the panels at COP29 that we can also view water as a way to unite us through countries collaborating on conservation and restoration efforts. 

I am looking forward to learning more about water and its restoration during the remainder of the conference, as well as understanding the overlap it has with a variety of environmental topics and issues, such as biodiversity. 

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

Exploring Finance and the Renewable Transitions – Chapal Bhavsar

It has been a fun time here at United Nations COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan! After landing here on Saturday afternoon, we have all had a whirlwind of adventures both in and outside of COP. From exploring the old city of Baku to taking taxis to talking to delegates, ambassadors, and even cabinet secretaries, COP has been a dynamic place filled with the energy of all who want to try to make a positive impact on the world before the end of this busy but relatively short conference.

My Experience at the Conference:

Saudi pavilion at COP29
Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Coming from a finance background as a finance major in the School Of Business at UConn, I was truly looking forward to taking part in this conference as it has been labeled the “Finance COP”. Behind the scenes, there has been a lot of negotiation in regards to new financial implications of the agreement in progress. Finance has taken a front seat role in this COP as people see the transition from renewable energies being just in the investment phase, to now starting to show signs of return. The move from fossil fuels to the renewable field is inevitable, but the former will continue to hold massive influence for decades. It is important to note that fossil fuels will play an important role in society and it is imperative that they are not disregarded.

One really interesting chat that I had was with the Saudi Delegation regarding a massive infrastructure project that they have undertaken. They are building an energy corridor which will connect renewable energy sources in Saudi to countries in the Caucasus and further. The delegate was telling me about how the cost of a renewable kilowatt has dropped to about 1.08 cents in this project. It emphasizes the importance of time and international cooperation in rebuilding and financing the new and developing energy systems that exist all around us. Overall, I am looking forward to taking part in more of these conversations during my time here at COP and am looking forward to bringing these experiences back to UConn! Thank you for reading!

Chapal Bhavsar is a Finance major in the School of Business.

First Impressions and Hot Takes from COP29 So Far – Mayowa Oladele

 

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.

Mayowa Oladele at COP29

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.

Sam Abraham and Mayowa Oladele
Sam Abraham and Mayowa Oladele at COP29.

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.

From Soccer to Herding in the COP29 Green Zone – Faiz Farooqui

The first two days of the United Nations COP29 conference have been incredibly hectic, informative, and surprising. I spent today and yesterday in the Green Zone of the conference. The Green Zone is a less restricted area and features cultural events, workshops, panels, speakers, and company stations. The Blue Zone, where I will be for the rest of the week, is a more restricted area where official negotiations take place. Faiz Farooqui in front of COP29 sign

The people I have spoken to so far and the events I have attended have been incredible. One of my favorite sessions so far was a roundtable discussion with Rishi Jain, the Director of Impact at Liverpool FC. As a huge soccer fan myself, it was amazing to hear about the ongoing sustainability initiatives at the highest level of the sport. It was a very informative and interactive talk and he went into depth on all of the ways Liverpool works to reduce their carbon footprint. From working with sustainable partners, to reducing the number of fans driving to their stadium, to building electric lawnmowers for their field, they seemed to be looking at sustainability from every possible angle.

It was very eye-opening to hear stories of how climate change is affecting countries in the global south as well. For example, one person presented the story of air pollution in Mongolia. Mongolia has experienced a 2.56 Celsius increase in surface temperature over the past 70 years. This change causes extremely harsh winters which can wipe out nomadic people’s herds in a single winter. Having nowhere else to go, these nomads flock to the main city in search of economic opportunity. The city has a capacity of 500,000 and currently 1.5 million people are living there. There isn’t enough heating infrastructure to support everyone, so most people burn coal to stay warm. This results in severe air pollution which causes 7,000 deaths a year. That’s one in ten deaths in Mongolia. Unfortunately, as the presenter shared, the number of deaths isn’t high enough to demand immediate action and garner support, and she believes that no number of deaths will be enough. Air pollution is a political and economic choice that the Mongolian government has made, and a choice that a lot of countries continue to make.

I have learned a lot in these past two days and every event I attended has introduced me to new ideas and perspectives. I am very excited to see what the Blue Zone is like and to continue learning and meeting more people.

Faiz Farooqui is a UConn@COP Fellow and Computer Science major in the College of Engineering.

Don’t Mess With Mansfield – Community Cleanup Day November 16, 2024

Mansfield Cleanup day on november 16

 

The Town of Mansfield and UConn are pleased to team up against litter in our town. Join in to meet others in the Mansfield community and do good for our people and planet.

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024

UConn & Vicinity Town Wide
Time: Cleanup Check In Stations will be open Noon to 4pm At your leisure
Where: Volunteer to clean up in the core of campus, Hunting Lodge Rd, Separatist Rd, Hillyndale Rd, North Eagleville Rd, or Eastwood/Westwood Rds.

Check In station locations are on this map.

Litter pickup supplies will be provided at check in stations.

Anywhere you feel safe collecting roadside litter in your neighborhood. Roads that are especially littered include Pleasant Valley, Mansfield City, White Oak and Gurleyville. Consider making a commitment to pick up litter on a section of road throughout the year by joining Adopt A Road.
What To Do With Full Trash/Recycling Bags: Bring your litter bag to your Check In station once you are finished. UConn Facilities trucks will be making rounds to pick up bags from the stations. Bags of litter may be placed out with household trash for those with collection service or taken to the Mansfield Transfer Station for no charge. The Transfer Station is located on Rte 89, one mile from the intersection of Routes 195 and 89 in Mansfield Center at 221 Warrenville Rd. The Transfer Station is open Tuesdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Thursdays, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Saturdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

 

Litter is an unsightly blight on our roadways, and hurts the environment. It can be especially dangerous for wildlife. Small animals may crawl into bottles and get stuck, and litter can blow into storm drains and streams and may eventually make its way to the ocean. When litter gets eaten by animals and sea life, they can starve to death or suffocate. Litter also attracts pests. Be part of the solution, not the pollution!

An additional clean up day will be scheduled for April 2025.

Haunted HEEP is October 23, 2024

The highly anticipated UConn Halloween event of the year, Haunted HEEP, will be Wednesday, October 23 from 7p-9:30p. Rain date is Thursday, October 24.

Haunted HEEP is a free, one mile scary hike through Hillside Environmental Education Park (HEEP). The HEEP is a remediated landfill area and natural forest reserve on the UConn-Storrs campus, behind the Innovation Partnership Building. The Office of Sustainability hosts the event to introduce guests to one of the closest trails to campus in the hopes they visit on their own in the future.

Everyone is welcome to attend but you MUST fill out this waiver.

Check in at the HEEP Trailhead Parking Lot between 7pm-9:30pm. T-shirts will be given to the first 100 students to survive the Haunted HEEP!

Heep parking map

Haunted HEEP Volunteer Groups Needed

Be Part of UConn’s Award Winning Halloween Event

Every year, the Office of Sustainability hosts a haunted trail walk at the Hillside Environmental Education Park (HEEP), which is located behind the Innovation Partnership Building. This year, the Haunted HEEP will be held on Wednesday October 23rd. We are looking for volunteers from clubs, organizations and UConn departments to lead different scare stations along the trail. This is a great opportunity to have fun with your friends, get service hours, and promote your organization! Last year, over 700 students attended this event, and we are anticipating breaking 1,000 this year! Any group that sponsors a station will have their logo featured on all promotional materials and correspondence!

Each group will invent or be assigned a scare station (some example scenes from the past are IT Clown, exorcism, forest ritual, and haunted circus). Your group must show up at 5:30 p.m. on October 23rd, but you can set up your scene earlier if needed. Please have 2-15 people in your group. Dinner is provided, as is a limited edition Haunted HEEP t-shirt.

We also ask that at least one representative from each club attend one of our trail walkthrough dates so that they understand the set up of the trail and how the event will work. These dates are Saturday October 19, 12-1 p.m. OR Tuesday October 22, 3-4 p.m. Please indicate on the form for which of these dates you will have a representative from your club participating in the trail walkthrough.

The rain date for Haunted HEEP is Thursday October 24th. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions! We have up to 25 potential stations, so this is on a first-come, first-serve basis! We’d love to see your club at one of UConn’s scariest and most well-attended events.

THE DETAILS

  • Wednesday Oct. 23 (rain date Oct. 24)
  • Volunteer from 5:30pm to 10pm
  • AND a representative from your group must do a trail walk through on Saturday October 19 12-1 p.m. OR Tuesday October 22 3-4 p.m.
  • Free dinner and limited edition Haunted HEEP t shirt

SIGN UP HERE

UConn Office of Sustainability Will Host Campus Climate Action Corps Members to Drive Impact in Connecticut

UConn’s Office of Sustainability will be hosting a team of 11 AmeriCorps members this fall to implement campus and community led climate action. The positions are part of the Campus Climate Action Corps (CCAC) within national nonprofit and higher education civic engagement leader, Campus Compact. CCAC is the first nationwide AmeriCorps program solely dedicated to campus-based, community-led climate action. CCAC builds the capacity of campuses and their community partners to create change that leads to increased energy efficiency and improvements for at-risk ecosystems by implementing local solutions for underserved communities.  

CCAC is also an inaugural Implementing Partner for President Joe Biden’s American Climate Corps, a new initiative working to address climate change and environmental injustice via workforce training and service. Teams of AmeriCorps members serving host sites around the US will facilitate collaborative efforts to promote environmental awareness and to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis in their surrounding communities.  

CCAC has recently received a grant from Serve Connecticut for a state based CCAC Connecticut (CCAC CT) cohort which will launch in September with an anticipated 40 CCAC CT AmeriCorps members serving at 8 different host sites throughout the state. As part of the CCAC CT team, two full-time and nine part-time positions will be supporting UConn’s sustainability efforts. The full-time Regional Campus Sustainability and Environmental Justice Coordinator will focus on coordinating sustainability and environmental justice efforts at UConn’s four regional campuses, the UConn Health Center, the School of Law, and in the communities they serve. They’ll lead sustainability education and outreach programming, assess campus and community needs, build relationships with community organizations working on sustainability and environmental justice initiatives, and help develop an environmental justice fellowship program for UConn. They’ll have six part-time student CCAC members to assist with related service projects.

The full-time EcoCaptains and Community Outreach Coordinator will focus on managing the EcoCaptain Internship program at UConn’s main Storrs campus. The EcoCaptain internship program places sustainability educators and ambassadors at each residence hall, where they host environmental programming and assist with the Office of Sustainability’s engagement events and behavior change initiatives focused on energy and water conservation and recycling. The new coordinator will provide leadership and mentorship in support of three additional part-time CCAC CT members to serve as EcoCaptains at several off-campus apartment complexes, The Oaks, Celeron Square and Carriage House Apartments. These members will be especially engaged in providing energy efficiency assessments for residents and leading community zero-waste efforts to reduce litter surrounding campus in collaboration with the Town of Mansfield.

Sally Slovenski, Program Director of the Campus Climate Action Corps shares, “We are inspired by UConn’s dedication to improving environmental stewardship for economically disadvantaged populations and look forward to working alongside its campuses in 2024-2025 to build community partnerships to reduce the impacts of climate change across the state!”

“The addition of these resources to support our growing regional campuses and students on and off campus could not have come at a more critical time. Climate change is already impacting our state and stands to disproportionately affect our most vulnerable communities in underserved and underrepresented areas. Energy costs have also never been higher, and commuter students already living near or below the poverty line stand to benefit especially from the energy efficiency audits and interventions provided by CCAC CT members. We are excited to have been chosen as a host site by CCAC CT and are eager to begin recruitment for these new AmeriCorps positions and student experiential learning opportunities,” says Patrick McKee, Interim Director of the UConn Office of Sustainability.

Application instructions will be posted on American Climate Corps website soon, with an expected start date of Sept 23rd, 2024.