As We Cross the River
Tufts University faculty member, Kate Risse, evokes the painting, Landscape with Charon Crossing Styx by Joachim Patinier, when speaking about COP25. Kate describes the division between big polluters being shown the more sustainable path by local NGOs, youth activists, local governments, etc., just as the angel shows the human soul crossing the Styx, but continue to keep their backs turned. Kate also quotes former Secretary of State John Kerry and asks, "How do we marry top boots with grass roots?” as she discusses the disconnect she witnessed between “policy that states that it is everyone’s right to act to advance sustainability and a carbon-free future, and making these rights actually become a reality for people, setting up a mechanism that informs and empowers people at a local level to make the energy transition.”
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COP 25: Neither the best year nor the worst year
Fletcher School post-doctoral scholar, Fang Zhang, discusses the various adversities that impacted COP25 this year, ranging from the lack of concrete proposals negotiated to the twice-changed location. Despite the various problems, Fang admits that this was not the worst COP, as there are plenty of things to be inspired by - including the emergence of youth activists and the COP’s consistent reminder that the #timeforaction is now.
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Youth Activism, Climate Grief, and Policy Stagnation at COP25
Fletcher School MALD student Bethany Tietjen discusses youth activists’ presence at COP25 and how “climate grief” can affect those striving for meaningful change and impact. Bethany also describes attending the #behindthescience panel where activists, Greta Thunberg and Luisa Neubauer accompanied scientists such as CIERP founder, Bill Moomaw, in promoting intergenerational collaboration in combating climate change.
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COP25 and a Commitment to a Sustainable Fashion Industry
Tufts University student Madeline Weir discusses the continuation of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action at COP25 and the need for action that is in line with the 1.5 degree scenario for the entire industry and a need to confront systemic conditions that are barriers to this goal. Madeline attended a two-hour panel and Q&A session with panelists who are working to lessen the fashion industry’s impact on climate change with their goal to reduce overall emissions of the industry by 30% for the overall supply chain by 2030.
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How far can we go on the site of an abandoned coal mine? Some reflections about COP24
Fletcher School pre-doctoral fellow, Fang Zhang, discusses her experience at COP24 by describing what it felt like to attend a climate conference in a city with a substantial coal mining history. Fang also emphasizes the long process of negotiation and how certain anti-climate entities prove to be relatively ineffective in halting climate action.
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