So far at COP my experience has been a mix of many emotions and observations. I spent my first two days at the UN climate change conference within the Blue Zone, where negotiators gather, and nations showcase their sustainability efforts in the pavilion. The opportunities to engage with people operating at the highest levels of the respective governments surrounded me.  

There were only a few nations that I was able to visit before going to some panels that interested me. In that short time, I learned various things I’d never otherwise be exposed to: the legal frameworks of climate action in the African Union, the commitments of the UK to the youth clause in current negotiations, and the unique systems of sustainable development tracking being deployed in China. Two of the most impactful experiences that I had were my time attending the UN adaptation and emissions gap reports and my experience being on two panels relating to sustainability in higher education. The first experience featured authors of the UN reports giving overviews of their chapters in the report and discussing the urgency of immediate action. A large focus of this year’s COP is on finance, and mentioned in the adaptation report was that there was a gap of 200-400 billion USD missing in adaptation funding every year from where the world needs to be to meet our goal of keeping global average warming under 1.5 degrees. In stark contrast to this figure, the U.S. delegation spoke proudly in a meeting with students from the U.S. at COP about the 11 billion USD the Biden administration had released for climate adaption worldwide. It’s disheartening to see firsthand the huge gulf between where we are and where we need to be.  

This was a common theme that I felt continuing in the two panels that I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to appear on. Both panels covered sustainability in higher education and something that I spoke on in both panels was the importance of having universities serve as examples for students to see what sustainability looks like in practice. Because it is a fact that universities, across the U.S. especially, are not where they need to be in terms of progression towards mitigating their contributions to the climate crisis. This looks like decarbonization of campuses, divestment from fossil fuels, and interdisciplinary climate education curriculum to prepare all students for the issue that will define us as a generation. So much of what I am seeing at COP reminds me that solutions will not stem entirely from top-down solutions and international cooperation frameworks, but local action that propels political systems to into action.  

I am reminded in my time here that there is still so much work to do, so much that must be accomplished, and so much that stands in the way of the necessary change that must come to pass if we are to have any hope for our futures.

 

Dylan Steer is a Political Science and Environmental Studies major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

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.

Attending 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.

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.

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.

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:

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.