Applications are now open for delegates to represent the American Chemical Society at the 2023 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The COP is currently scheduled to take place November 30- December 12, 2023. As observers, the ACS delegates will follow the negotiations, exhibits, and side events which shape global climate action as well as communicate their experience to the broader public.

Undergraduate and graduate student members of the ACS are eligible to apply to attend the conference. While attending COP and after their return, delegates will share the proceedings and outcomes via social media and events at their home institutions as part of a broader campaign to increase awareness and climate literacy among their peers. 

If you're interested in attending the upcoming COP, see the application instructions below. Applications will be accepted until 06/30/2023.

Submit your application via email to Dr. Gregory Foy at gfoy@ycp.edu 

Include the following in your application:

1. A brief essay describing your interest and qualifications for attending COP28 (no more than 500 words).

2. A sample blog post on a topic relevant to COP28 (your choice of blog style: scientific, pop culture, etc.)

3. A list of known or potential funding sources for travel/lodging expenses (see more details in the next section.)

4. The expiration date of your passport.

5. Indicate if you are interested in the mentoring program to act as the student mentor for COP29.  If you are interested include a brief 250 word max. essay explaining your interest and qualifications (see more details in the next section.)

Delegate Selection

The selection committee will consider (i) professional and academic background, (ii) interest in the event, (iii) plan to secure funding, and (iv) expected contribution to ACS participation in the conference.

Event Logistics

The ACS observer delegation will be divided into two groups: one for each week of the two-week conference. During the selection process, applicants will be asked to choose which week they would like to attend.

Funding

All attendees are expected to secure funding for their own, individual travel needs (e.g., airfare, lodging, meals).  This program has funding for at least half of the accommodations and is currently seeking additional funding.  By time delegates are selected this could be fully funded; however, if not delegates will need to secure their own funding.

Mentoring Program

The student mentor for COP28 will be selected from individuals who indicated interest during COP27.  The student mentor does not need to apply for the following COP event and will learn from the current mentor during COP27.  Responsibilities include: keeping up with the blog and social media sites during COP "off-season," engaging with interested students at the COP table at the ACS National Meeting, organizing delegate information sessions after the selection process, training your successor, and editing the mentor handbook after your COP mentoring year to be passed onto the next mentor.

Timeline

June 30, 2023: Application Deadline 

July 2023: Applications are reviewed and delegates are selected to represent ACS at COP28.

July / August 2023: Selected delegates will begin meeting to discuss how to apply for travel awards, program expectations, training, and logistics.

August 2023: ACS submits names of chosen delegates for UNFCCC accreditation.  Abstracts are likely due for the ACS National Meeting where students will present a talk related to a COP28 topic.

September/October 2023: Delegates meet virtually with ACS staff to receive training on science policy and media outreach. Delegates begin social media activities and engagement with their home institutions.

November - December 2023: Delegates engage their peers from onsite at COP28 using social media platforms or virtual discussion spaces.

December 2023-February 2024: Delegates continue follow-up social media outreach, blog posts, and other climate literacy projects.

March 2024: Delegates present their COP28 experiences through a symposium at the ACS National Meeting.  

The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) was held in Glasgow, Scotland in November 2021 and COP 28 in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt in November 2022. Check out their blog and social media below!

http://www.studentsonclimatechange.com/