Perspectives

Climate Talks Blog
Climate Policy Oct, 2024

Debates on Carbon Markets Chart a Climate Path Forward

As the public questions if governments can meet climate commitments and get back on course to prevent catastrophic warming, countries face pressures to finalize carbon market rules to meet this decades demands.
Student Experience at COP Oct, 2024

Breaking the Mold: Climate Talks Need Fresh Voices


In the fight against climate change, it's often the same seasoned diplomats and negotiators who take the stage at major conferences. But at the SB60 climate conference in Bonn, Germany, a new voice stole the spotlight—Francisco Vera, a 14-year-old activist from Colombia.
Climate Justice Oct, 2024

Epicenter of Climate Injustice and Innovation

In global climate conversations, Africa is often minimized by a focus on its challenges and disproportionate climate impacts. However, this does not tell the full story—the continent possesses immense renewable resources critical for accelerating the energy transition and has an expansive young population engaged in environmental advocacy. Following the Youth Sustainable Development Conference 2024 in Morocco, conference planner Clare McCarthy emphasizes the innovation and power showcased at the event. She advocates for an asset-based perspective on Africa to maximize its unique strengths in the fight against climate change.
Climate Policy Aug, 2024

African Youth Leaders Mobilize for Climate Action

Funding climate initiatives is key to resolving the climate crisis. During the 2024 Youth Sustainable Development Conference in Morocco, African youth climate leaders voiced concerns about lack of funding to combat climate change and called on people in positions of power to elevate youth in productive ways. Over the course of two days, delegates from different countries brainstormed solutions to assist Rwanda, Uganda, and other African nations address climate impacts and threats.
 First-time international delegate Dana Kahn shares her insights on her colleagues and fellow advocates at the inspiring conference. She calls on foundations, large and small, to begin funding more climate solutions and particularly youth environmental projects.
Student Experience at COP Jul, 2024

Climate Activists Demand Larger Say in Global Talks

Activists are challenging leaders on Paris Agreement commitments and calling for more inclusivity. As the UN climate meetings face rising fossil fuel influence, will their voices be heard?
Water Dec, 2023

The Ocean is a Climate Casualty and Key Solution

The ocean naturally traps excess heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. With climate change imperiling the marine system, UN climate policy needs to incorporate ocean-related solutions.
Climate Justice Aug, 2023

Youth Power on Climate: Beyond Tokenism

Youth have faced a number of challenges that have limited their involvement in climate discussions such as lack of funding and inclusion in negotiations, inadequate climate education and capacity building, VISA restrictions, and linguistic barriers.