Embedded Files
By Georgia Barnes
As we emerged from the metro station, swept through the security lines, and joined the bustling crowd, it was evident that everyone around us possessed a sense of purpose and direction. As I marveled at the grandeur of Expo City, feelings of gratitude and hopefulness enveloped me, creating an indelible impression.
Following an exhilarating day exploring the vibrant cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Week 2 delegates descended upon COP28, sharing tales of our first Dubai Metro experience and hundreds of questions about the day that lay ahead. Day eight of COP28 unfolded as we meandered through country pavilions, attended enlightening panels and oriented ourselves within the vastness of Expo City.
Our journey commenced with an engaging higher education panel featuring Professor Anthony Leiserowitz from the Climate Change Communication Department at the Yale School of Environment. With impassioned eloquence, he spoke about the crucial realm of effective communication strategies for engaging Americans amidst the polarized climate debate. Leiserowitz's threefold prescription echoed: 1) understand your audience, 2) convey a clear message, reiterated by trusted messengers, and 3) emphasize that "scientists agree, it's real, it's caused by us, it's bad, but there's hope!" The panel's poignant conclusion echoed the stark reality that "climate change is the policy problem from hell."
Our next adventure led us to Katy Youel Page (Mac '92), an attorney for the U.S. State Department, who has been providing invaluable guidance in negotiations and legal positions for the U.S. at COP28, and at several prior COPs. Though our interaction was brief, witnessing a Mac Alum involved in such pivotal work was both informative and inspiring. The U.S. delegation further amazed us with their standout pins (pictured below)!
We were also fortunate to be allowed into an official negotiation room where hundreds of Party delegates debated the language of the text regarding non-market approaches for climate cooperation between countries. Each delegation spoke in support or objections to specific language, paragraphs, words, and punctuation. This was a fascinating experience – truly a glimpse behind the curtain of policymaking.
A peculiar blend of amusement and sorrow marked another highlight of the day: climate cartoons adorning the walls at COP. Though infused with humor, these visual narratives carried a poignant undertone, offering a stark reflection of the gravity and complexity of the climate crisis.
I am inspired, exhausted, and excited for another day at COP. Gratitude fills my heart for the invaluable experience of navigating the intricate dynamics and narratives of this conference alongside an exceptional cohort of Macalester colleagues. Together, we've shared meals, hearty laughs, tears (from laughing), moments of bewilderment, and a tapestry of experiences that surpass any preconceived notions I might have harbored. Each day is an unpredictable adventure, a kaleidoscope of emotions and revelations, leaving me eager to unravel the mysteries that the next dawn at COP promises.
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