14 UConn students attended the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties, or COP29. This year the conference took place in Baku, Azerbaijan. Climate experts, policymakers, and world leaders convene each year at the COP to discuss efforts to address the climate crisis. The UConn@COP fellowship is an experiential learning opportunity where students can see climate policy-making up close. Each cohort of fellows is asked to write blog posts about their experiences and below are a few posts about their initial experiences. All blog posts can be found on the UConn Office of Sustainability website.
First Impressions and Hot Takes from COP29 So Far
By Mayowa Oladele, Ph.D. candidate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Arriving at COP29, I quickly realized that this wasn’t just a conference but a confluence of ideas, activism, and solutions for a sustainable future. From grassroots protests to high-level discussions, the atmosphere was charged with purpose and urgency.
The first day began with a powerful protest led by representatives of the Niger Delta communities in Nigeria, demanding reparations for decades of environmental degradation caused by oil companies. This demonstration was a reminder of the human cost of environmental negligence and the urgent need for justice in climate action. The sessions I attended afterward at the Nigerian Pavilion emphasized practical ways to empower youths with the skills required for a green transition. This focus on actionable solutions for the youth was refreshing and essential.
The next day started by attending a session titled “Unlocking the Newfound Potential of Geothermal Energy,” where I was quite impressed with the potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable and widely adoptable renewable source of energy. I had an insightful conversation on the sidelines with Sam Abraham, a member of the panel, which further expanded my understanding of the potential of geothermal energy. Another highlight was the presidential briefing on methane reduction from organic waste. Leaders from the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) Champions shared actionable steps, including the United States announcement to update its Clean Air Act emissions standards for municipal solid waste landfills by 2025. The UAE also shared plans to reduce methane emissions from its waste sector, targeting a 50% landfill diversion by 2025 and 80% by 2031. These commitments reflect the critical role of methane reduction in global climate strategies.
COP29 has already proven to be an impactful experience—a space where grassroots advocacy, technological innovation, and policy intersect to tackle the climate crisis head-on. My biggest takeaway? The solutions are as diverse as the people here, and collaboration remains our strongest tool for change. The conference offers a powerful reminder that while the challenges are immense, the potential for meaningful change is even greater.
From Soccer to Herding in the COP29 Green Zone
By Faiz Farooqui ’25 (ENG)
The first two days of the United Nations COP29 conference have been incredibly hectic, informative, and surprising. I spent today and yesterday in the Green Zone of the conference. The Green Zone is a less restricted area and features cultural events, workshops, panels, speakers, and company stations. The Blue Zone, where I will be for the rest of the week, is a more restricted area where official negotiations take place.
The people I have spoken to so far and the events I have attended have been incredible. One of my favorite sessions so far was a roundtable discussion with Rishi Jain, the Director of Impact at Liverpool FC. As a huge soccer fan myself, it was amazing to hear about the ongoing sustainability initiatives at the highest level of the sport. It was a very informative and interactive talk and he went into depth on all of the ways Liverpool works to reduce their carbon footprint. From working with sustainable partners, to reducing the number of fans driving to their stadium, to building electric lawnmowers for their field, they seemed to be looking at sustainability from every possible angle.
It was very eye-opening to hear stories of how climate change is affecting countries in the Global South as well. For example, one person presented the story of air pollution in Mongolia. Mongolia has experienced a 2.56 Celsius increase in surface temperature over the past 70 years. This change causes extremely harsh winters which can wipe out nomadic people’s herds in a single winter. Having nowhere else to go, these nomads flock to the main city in search of economic opportunity. The city has a capacity of 500,000 and currently 1.5 million people are living there. There isn’t enough heating infrastructure to support everyone, so most people burn coal to stay warm. This results in severe air pollution which causes 7,000 deaths a year. That’s one in 10 deaths in Mongolia. Unfortunately, as the presenter shared, the number of deaths isn’t high enough to demand immediate action and garner support, and she believes that no number of deaths will be enough. Air pollution is a political and economic choice that the Mongolian government has made, and a choice that a lot of countries continue to make.
I have learned a lot in these past two days and every event I attended has introduced me to new ideas and perspectives. I am very excited to see what the Blue Zone is like and to continue learning and meeting more people.
Beyond the Criticism, Toward Climate Solutions
By Mariam Vargas ’25 (CLAS)
Attending COP29 as a young college student, it’s easy to get swept up in the negative rhetoric surrounding the conference. Criticisms abound, whether it’s the choice of Azerbaijan as the host—a major oil-producing country with a contentious human rights record—or the constant media headlines questioning the efficacy of the event: “Should We Get Rid of COP?” or “Climate Negotiations Going Nowhere.” Concerns about private sector involvement, from corporate pavilions to lobbying efforts, add fuel to the skepticism. But here’s the thing: focusing solely on the negatives doesn’t move us forward. Criticism is important for progress, and institutions like COP must be held accountable. However, dwelling on flaws without working towards solutions, risks derailing the very goals the conference aims to achieve. Over the first two days in the Green Zone, I’ve encountered a more nuanced perspective—one that prioritizes collaboration over condemnation.
Takeaway 1: Context Matters. One of the first lessons I’ve learned is the importance of understanding the broader context behind so-called “polluters.” From a position of privilege, it’s easy to judge, but the reality for many is far more complex. Take Mongolia, for example. Due to harsh winters and a lack of energy infrastructure, many Mongolian households rely on burning coal for heat. While this contributes to pollution, it’s not a choice—it’s a necessity for survival. This isn’t an individual failing but a systemic issue, where governments must step up to provide sustainable alternatives. Blaming individuals for polluting ignores the structures that force them into these situations. True solutions require addressing those root causes.
Takeaway 2: The Role of the Private Sector. Another realization is that the private sector plays a critical role in climate funding and innovation. For nations in the Global South, smaller islands, and low-income countries, transitioning to renewable energy or building climate-resilient economies isn’t feasible without significant financial support. Private sector funding can bridge this gap, providing the resources needed to implement solutions and foster innovation. While skepticism towards corporate motives is valid, dismissing their involvement outright undermines the potential for progress. Strategic partnerships with the private sector can drive tangible change and empower nations to develop their own sustainable solutions.
Takeaway 3: COP Is Imperfect—But Essential. My final takeaway is that COP, despite its flaws, is irreplaceable. Calls to abandon the conference or dismiss it entirely ignore its unique value. For many smaller nations, COP represents a rare chance to voice their concerns on a global stage. Indigenous communities share their knowledge and experiences, scientists present groundbreaking research, and underrepresented nations demand attention from larger powers. Yes, COP has its challenges. But instead of allowing criticism to overshadow its purpose, we must work within the system to improve it. Progress requires collaboration, and COP provides a platform where diverse voices come together to tackle one of humanity’s greatest challenges.
