COP29 has been a multidimensional experience. Iâ€ve had so many opportunities to grow and learn, for which I truly am grateful. However, after riding the high of the overwhelming buzz and excitement at the conference throughout the week, Iâ€ve had some epiphanies I canâ€t help but share.
One of my significant realizations revolves around the financial investment in COP and whether it is truly worth it.
I was at a press conference today where a speaker mentioned how she asked someone how much the creation of their pavilion cost, they said 400,000 dollars. There are seemingly a hundred pavilions at COP, and if the cost of one could be nearly half a million dollars, especially as one of the smaller ones, I cannot imagine the price of not only the creation of all the pavilions but all of the infrastructure that comes along with COP. From the venue — nearly completely built up — to the transportation to hiring all the employees that work in all the dimensions of creating COP. I mean this conference in and of itself is a multi-million dollar production. Most of this investment doesnâ€t even go into organizing and maintaining the negotiations, which are arguably the most critical aspect of COP. This for me raises two critical concerns; firstly, I call into question the priorities of COP.
According to the UNFCCC, “COPs are where Parties (governments) assess global efforts to advance the key Paris Agreement aim of limiting global warming to as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.†Clearly the main agenda of these annual, global meetings is to make progress towards curbing climate change and its impacts, and I do see that happening. Iâ€ve gone to some very enlightening negotiations and press conferences, and I do genuinely believe we are making progress.
But, on the other hand, Iâ€ve also seen how COP is similar to some huge, global networking event. I mean, if most of the investment is funneled into these extravagant pavilions and elaborate infrastructure rather than the core negotiations and actionable outcomes, I question the effectiveness and priorities of the conference.
Are we really focusing our resources on this meaningful dialogue to combat climate change, or are we getting sidetracked by the allure of showcasing our national achievements and innovations?
On that note, Iâ€ll discuss my second critical concern; COP is gradually, almost imperceptibly, normalizing the climate crisis. Near the entrance of the pavilion section of the Blue Zone is the Brazilian pavilion–being one of the most visually striking ones–with a bold headline that reads, “See you at COP30!†I didnâ€t think anything wrong of it when I saw it, in fact, it was invigorating. I was already imagining how incredible the next COP would be. But in essence, this sentiment raises a troubling question: Are we truly addressing the urgency of climate change, or are we treating COP like an annual festival, some kind of well-organized gathering that we actually look forward to attending?
I mean, let’s take a step back here. COP was initially established because we recognized the critical nature of the climate emergency. We need to realize that the original intent was to unite nations in a needed effort to combat a crisis that threatens our very existence! We should approach each COP with gravity and desperation! Honestly, it should feel like a necessary, albeit painful, gathering—an unfortunate call to action rather than any cause for excitement.
Iâ€ll leave you with this; We should hope that every COP is our last, not because we are giving up, but because we have finally succeeded in addressing climate change and no longer need to convene on this dire issue.
Rakiya is a Climate Generation Window Into COP delegate for COP29. To learn more, we encourage you to meet the full delegation, support our delegates, and subscribe to the Window Into COP digest.
Rakiya Sheikhosman is a freshman at the University of Minnesota majoring in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management. She loves engaging in work pertaining to environmental conservation and community involvement. As a Youth Environmental Activist for Climate Generation, sheâ€s done work lobbying for a statewide Climate Justice Education Bill, along with co-hosting the annual Youth Climate Justice Summit. Sheâ€s also spent a summer working in a biosystems and bioengineering lab at the University of Minnesota to mitigate hydrogen sulfide in agricultural settings. She recently finished her term as a 4-H State Ambassador representing Hennepin County in which she co-facilitated statewide 4-H youth conferences as a part of the Service Committee and gave presentations guiding youth in starting sustainable initiatives to help their communities and enact change. Outside of her work, she enjoys crocheting and cooking. She also loves spending time with friends and family.
