Day 11: When the Antarctic comes to your doorstep

Hello everyone, Kaleb Getu Gezahegn here, a senior at Macalester. I'm thrilled to share the vibrant and diverse experience we had on Day 9 here at COP28. 

The day began with an insightful session at the RINGO briefing. As part of this research and independent NGO constituency, we plunged into the depths of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This critical section underscores how nations can collaborate voluntarily to boost their environmental goals and champion sustainable development. Amidst the bustling atmosphere of COP28, discussions hinted at an extension of the negotiations beyond the anticipated timeline. The speculation about the next COP29 host sparked a lively discussion. With Russia vetoing the previous host, potential candidates like the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, and Armenia were on the table. Notably, Baku, Azerbaijan, seemed to gain consensus as a strong contender. The influence of geopolitical dynamics added an extra layer of complexity to these discussions, highlighting how climate diplomacy is intertwined with global politics.

Our journey then took us to an engaging event at the US pavilions with U.S. Senators from Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and beyond. They vividly spoke about climate change's impact on their states, emphasizing the urgency of action across the U.S. One Senator highlighted, "the largest investment in reducing carbon pollution in U.S. history has shown," referring to the success of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The significant growth of solar energy was underscored, marking a leap from just 2kMW in 2006 to 34kMW in 2023.

A pleasant respite awaited us at the Australian pavilion, where we indulged in some exceptionally tasty free coffee – a delightful treat amid intense dialogues.

The panel session titled "A Way Forward: Latest NDCs, 1.5 Degrees Celsius, and Fossil Fuel Phase Out" was particularly impactful. The message was clear: the science is unequivocal; 1.5 degrees is the planetary limit. When an audience member expressed doubts loss of hope in achieving the 1.5-degree goal, the response was inspiring: “To give up is to give hope to carbon emitters… we simply cannot give up.” This exchange highlighted the enduring commitment required in our climate battle. The hopeful note that fossil fuel demand could peak as early as this year added a sense of optimism.

A moving speech by a Cameroonian climate activist, reflecting on her 21 days in Antarctica, left me inspired and mesmerized. Her words, “What will we do when the Antarctic comes to our doorsteps?” echoed powerfully in the hall. Her firsthand account of witnessing the melting glaciers brought a stark reality to the surface, transforming statistics and forecasts into tangible human experiences.

The day continued with visits to various pavilions like Somalia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Guatemala, and the United States, each presenting unique approaches to climate challenges.

We wrapped up the day with a delightful dinner at a Middle-Eastern restaurant in Dubai, connecting with Macalester alumni Ben Bartenstein ('15) and Isam Herzallah ('09). Their experiences and perspectives added depth to our discussions.

Today was a rich collection of discussions, insights, and critical thinking about global climate policies. It was a day that enhanced our understanding and strengthened our commitment to this global cause.