Climate Action Chat

This is an update of a post I wrote last year from COP 27 in Egypt.  I am often asked what these "Conference of the Parties" - or COPs - are like.  COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the 14th COP I have attended. Each one is distinct, but they are similar as a type of climate change carnival.  I present this metaphor descriptively and not critically.  At the COPs there are five different types of activities going on simultaneously.  One, of course, is the negotiation sessions - meetings in which country delegates negotiate a wide range of climate change issues.  Second, there are side events.  These are typically panels much like one might experience at an academic or professional conference.  The side event topics address both technical and human dimensions of the climate crisis.  Third, booths or exhibits are featured.  These are presented primarily by non-government organizations. The exhibits present materials from those orga...

What have you heard, what do you know, and what would you like to know about COP 28 - the UN climate change negotiations taking place in Dubai? https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-11-30/united-nations-calls-2023-hottest-year-ever-at-dubai-cop28-climate-talks?srnd=premium-middle-east&leadSource=uverify%20wall

The Texas Board of Education has tentatively rejected some science textbooks, in part, because of their discussion of climate change. Should schools teach about the climate crisis, either in science or social studies classes? Did you learn about climate change in middle or high school? What do think of the Texas Board of Education's concerns and possible actions to prohibit certain science textbooks? Who should learn about climate change? How? Where? Share your ideas. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2023/11/14/what-will-texas-children-learn-about-climate-change-evolution/

In a couple of weeks I will travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to participate in COP 28 (Conference of the Parties) - the annual end of the year two week gathering of nations, media, and NGOs to discuss and negotiate climate change policy. I lead two observer teams at the COPs - Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) and the International Environmental Communication Association (IECA). This year's meeting includes a "Global Stocktake," where countries report their progress in achieving climate change mitigation and adaptation goals. I will post comments and articles about and from COP 28. As you read this article, what stands out? W#har are your comments and questions? https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-67143989

The US Federal Government jusat released the 2023 National Climate Report. This report is produced and published every five years. It received a lot of publicity in 2013 but very little publicity in 2018. How important is this report? Who should read it? How could it be communicated to the general public? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/14/us-national-climate-assessment-global-warming-report?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Can one person make a difference in the climate change arena? I met Dr. Saleemhul Huq in 2014 and we became both friends and colleagues. I have learned a lot from him, and have admired his dedication to finding climate crisis solutions, particuarly actions that address the problems and concerns of least developed countries. His legacy will endure, and he will be greatly missed. https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/10/30/saleemul-huq-climate-change-bangaldesh-dead/