This years representation includes:
Shriya Bajaj, Geography
Hibba Saeed, Management School
Kathryn Schoon, Faculty of Social Sciences
Sally Thomas, School of Education
Preeti Raghunath, Sociological Studies
Representatives participate in COP29 to share their research and help contribute towards the aims of the conference. This unique opportunity allows participants to engage and reflect on the debates pertinent to their research interests. Ahead of the conference, the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures hosted a series of training sessions to ensure our delegates heading to COP29 were fully prepared for the event.
Hibba Saeed reporting from Azerbaijan, said "COP29 is an intense, thought-provoking experience. The scale is overwhelming - thousands of participants and high-tech displays create an atmosphere akin to a climate action theme park. In line with my research focus, I'm particularly interested in the discussions on multi-stakeholder partnerships, especially the inclusion of local and indigenous communities in such collaborations. While there's an undeniable sense of ambition and collaboration, I'm approaching the commitments made here with measured optimism, eager to see how they translate into tangible local action."
Preeti Raghunath is a digital delegate at COP29, which means that she is following the proceedings online. Here she share's her thoughts on the event,
"My interest in COP29 is focused on conversations around the digital (AI and data) economy and environmental sustainability. Last year's COP led to the start of Green Digital Action. This year's proceedings saw some actors speak about the costs of digital, AI and data infrastructures and their implications on the environment, even when there's been a focus on leveraging these technologies for climate action. This official statement and moment needs to be leveraged to bring to light these adverse repercussions and how we can arrest them collectively towards inclusive and sustainable technology futures."
We wish this years representatives well over the two weeks of COP29 and look forward to hearing more about their incredible experience.