Climate change conference is approaching – is students’ voice heard in decision-making?

Soon, it will be that time of year again when the world’s attention turns to climate negotiations. The UN Conference of the Parties COP convenes for its 30^th brainstorming session, bringing together some of the world’s most influential figures – official delegates from member states, representatives of NGOs, and members of the scientific community.

This inevitably raises a question: what could the rising generation of the scientific community highlight at these decision-making tables? When I started pondering this question, the first thought that came to mind was that students’ opportunities to influence seemed rather ambitious and distant. To me, climate conferences are associated with two feelings: hope and frustration.

The gathering of UN member states around a shared table to address an issue that affects us all inspires hope for the future and a willingness to act together in the face of the climate crisis. Perhaps this year’s climate conference will achieve a breakthrough that moves us forward to secure a sustainable future.

On the other hand, the gap between internationally implemented and required climate actions continues to widen. The slower these actions are conducted, the more significant future actions will need to be. Thus, international agreements alone cannot guarantee that the targets set in climate negotiations will be met. Each member state must also advance efforts to curb climate change through its own actions.

However, pushing for national climate actions is no easy task, as significant progress requires changes ranging from individual choices to large-scale changes in economic and energy systems. In my view, the main reason for the slow pace of climate work stems from our Westerners’ ingrained reluctance to be flexible, let alone give up the comforts of our current lifestyle.

Yet the achievements of international climate policy are undeniable, even though the dialogue between decision-makers and scientists sometimes seems to falter. The increasing multipolarity of the world’s political atmosphere only emphasises the importance of international cooperation, with climate conferences playing a central role.

To maintain global commitment to combating climate change, we need strong leadership from governments, as well as consistent communication where words and actions on prioritising climate policy align.

So please leave your COP30 greetings and questions using this form by 31 October. Students’ messages will be compiled and submitted to the researchers in early November. All messages and questions will be addressed anonymously. 

More information:

Jenni Toivonen

Board Member: Sustainable development

jenni.toivonen@ayy.fi

040 026 5544