JCU Students Attend COP29 in Azerbaijan
From November 15th to November 20th, a delegation of three JCU students attended the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The initiative was part of the Sustainability program, promoted by John Cabot University.
As a global effort to address climate change, the COP brings together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to measure progress and implement the Paris Agreement, and advance discussions on climate action, sustainability, and global partnerships. Delegates from all over the world joined forces at COP29 to raise awareness about vulnerable communities and emphasize the urgency of equitable action, policies, and funding aimed at tackling climate change.
The students who participated were Alexandra Brito-Cruz, Martina Atanasova, and Chloe Dougherty. The delegation was accompanied by JCU’s Coordinator of Sustainability for Education Initiatives and Professor, Dr. Michèle Favorite. JCU students had the opportunity to attend critical negotiation meetings that shaped their understanding of global climate action, particularly adaptation, mitigation, loss, and damage. All students who participated received the Certificate of Sustainability from John Cabot University.
Student Martina Atanasova’s Experience
Martina Atanasova described her experience as “a bridge between two contrasting worlds.” Drawing from her experience in four sessions, Martina considered the discussions eye-opening, leaving her with a “deep sense of urgency for adequate policy.” In the “Advancing Climate Justice Through the International Rule of Law” session, Martina found that “the fight for climate justice is not just about securing resources — it’s about fundamentally restructuring systems of accountability. Countries must fulfill their obligations not only to reduce emissions but also to ensure that legal frameworks protect the most vulnerable.” In the “Loss and Damage” session, Martina learned about the gaps in policy and financing, especially when dealing with vulnerable countries, which usually “bear the brunt of climate shocks, yet receive only a fraction of global climate financing.”
In the “Measuring Climate Impacts Across the Cycle of Armed Conflicts” session, Martina was exposed to “one of the most striking revelations at COP29,” as Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection, Victoria Kyreiva, described the environmental devastation caused by the war, which has led to an ecological crisis. Martina learned more about how armed conflicts have a significant role as contributors to climate change, yet military emissions are often omitted, thus reflecting the “political sensitivities and logistical hurdles that prevent their inclusion in global accountability systems.” Furthermore, the session highlighted noteworthy developments through which international law might address the environmental toll of conflicts. Martina came to the realization that the need for equitable climate action must be rooted in justice to ensure that “every community, every voice, and every life is protected.”
Student Nicolette Alexandra Brito-Cruz’s Experience
Nicolette Alexandra Brito-Cruz focused on State accountability and representation of the Global South. By attending the sessions, Nicolette had the opportunity to listen to delegates and representatives coming from many different countries, such as Austria, Burundi, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Laos, Malaysia, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Thailand, and Uruguay. Nicolette discovered that “the Global South bears the cost of the Global North’s historical emissions,” as underdeveloped countries and marginalized communities struggle with natural disasters, thus suffering “the human toll of inaction.” Despite challenges and lack of financial support, Nicolette highlights that many Global South countries are leading ambitious climate initiatives, such as: Costa Rica’s quest for decarbonization, environmental protection, and human rights; Uruguay’s adaptation plans on agricultural justice; Laos, Rwanda, and Nigeria’s strategies to reach net-zero emissions. Representatives from Austria, Romania, and Monaco acknowledged the “disparity between nations,” in terms of historical responsibilities, and advocated for equitable access to climate finance mechanisms for adaptation and mitigation to help the Global South. Nicolette considered that, since COP29 highlighted both the progress and divides in global climate action, the Global North needs to match the Global South’s leadership by providing resources. Nicolette realized that to secure a livable future for all, “a holistic, inclusive approach is essential for global stability.”
COP29 Takeaways
After the conference, Martina shared that one question kept echoing in her mind: “Can we truly prioritize climate change when the world is engulfed in war, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises?” While Nicolette reflected that “the message from Baku is clear: the fight against climate change is a shared responsibility, but it must be fought on equitable terms.”
For all, the concluding reflection remains the same: “Let this be the year where words finally turn into action,” as the urgency voiced at COP29 serves as a powerful reminder that the choices made today will determine the future we leave behind.
