Hi there! Camellia again! 

Today was our last day in Dubai and at the COP.  I was really fortunate to be in the Week One group because the theme for today was multilevel action, urbanization and built environment and Indigenous Peoples. This aligned really well with my topic so my schedule for today was especially packed. 

I got to the COP a bit early before the main plenary session on the built environment and sustainable cities in the Al Waha Theatre. During this time, I stopped by the Japan pavilion and talked with a company that was working on multiple projects for sustainable buildings such as solar windows (which were installed on the dome of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics stadium), calcium carbonate concrete that absorbs carbon, and more efficient light sensors. 

The main plenary was interesting because it included different perspectives from representatives of many countries. A really important comment I heard was when Inger Anderson, representing UNEP (UN Environmental Programme), said “renovation has 75% less emissions than new construction.” Renovating the current fleet of buildings is going to be incredibly vital in the next decade. 

With 124 countries now (with the number rising every day) having agreed to doubling energy efficiency and tripling renewable energy goals by 2030, the built environment is where many of these energy efficiency goals can be met before 2030. Many U.S. spokespeople have mentioned the tax credits and benefits of the IRA funding. This is especially useful for adding renewables on rooftops (residential solar) or changing inefficient natural gas/coal heaters for heat pumps. New building materials was also a hot topic with focus on carbon sink concrete, and sustainable wood. 

After a few more events ranging from topics such as how scientists can influence climate policy to spreading Indigenous stories, we met up for a quick dinner and said goodbye to Francesca who left the following day. 

I was really impressed with the amount of vegetarian food options at COP! There was a small lot with six vegetarian food trucks. I got a Korean burger and Korean loaded sweet potato fries. It was one of the best things that I ate this entire week! If I had two stomachs, I would have eaten another one! After dinner, we headed back to collect our items from the hotel and then made our way to the airport. 

We were hoping to run into Week 2 delegation, but the airport ushers the arriving passengers into a different stairway. So, even though our plane to Amsterdam was their arriving plane from Amsterdam, we weren’t able to see them. 

Overall, I am so grateful to have this opportunity to go to the COP and gain a broader understanding of climate policy and important issues facing the climate movement. 

Best of luck to the Week 2 delegation!