COP28 Reflections

By Shubhangi Thakur

Shubhangi in front of flags at COP28.

As I embarked on my journey to COP28, anticipation and excitement filled my mind. I looked forward to immersing myself in the global investment landscape for climate innovations and the intricate world of science diplomacy. The prospect of participating in or observing climate negotiations on a global scale, where stakeholders from diverse backgrounds converged to address our planet's most pressing challenges, was quite thrilling.

The irony of holding such a critical event in a place like Dubai, a city symbolic of artificial construction, sparks concerns over Dubai’s unsustainable infrastructure growth, which hampers natural ecosystems. These thoughts lingered in my mind as I approached the location. As a student stepping into this ‘global circus’ of varying knowledge levels, my mission was to find my place among the multitude of voices. The week felt like a whirlwind, leaving me yearning for more time to take it all in. No amount of preparation could have prepared me for the sheer magnitude of COP28.

Navigating the landscape of climate investment funds created to support the transition to clean technology became the focal point of my conference experience. Engaging in panels and discussions helped me understand valuable information about the approaches of different funds worldwide. A pivotal moment came during Neha Sharma's presentation (representing the Climate Investment Fund), where she expounded on a threefold approach for funding climate-focused projects. This involved classifying and mapping development impacts, applying backcasting theory, and fostering synergistic outcomes through super development institutions. The discussion underscored the challenge of measuring net benefits from climate investments and the importance of systematic thinking through climate policy tools and evaluations. The case of Zambia provided a compelling example of seamlessly integrating climate considerations into different government budgets and highlighting the inherent intersectionality of climate and development. The concept of co-indicators, rather than co-benefits, served as a reminder of this intricate connection. However, these discussions have not only left me introspective but have also sparked collective questioning among participants, prompting us to scrutinize the essence of the global climate investment space and contemplate whether the private sector allocates funds based on genuine environmental needs or merely gravitates towards areas with a popular and well-perceived understanding.

Members of the Tufts delegation: Soyoung Oh, Alyssa Scheiner, Selena Wallace, Aarushi Aggarwal, Alexandra Cronin, and Shubhangi Thakur.

A poignant moment arose during a conversation when a delegate from Sierra Leone shed light on the ongoing disparity in global negotiations. The influence of the Global North and the challenges faced by delegates contending with language barriers in one of the informal negotiations (regrettably, only informal sessions were accessible to us, and formal negotiations remained beyond our purview as observers) left me with a palpable sense of unfulfillment.

Shubhangi learning the Turkish art of Ebru at the Türkiye Pavilion.

Amidst these discussions, I discovered inspiration in unexpected corners. I met a young woman volunteer from Dubai who expressed how witnessing women lead discussions at COP28 motivated her to pursue further education. I also had the opportunity to visit different country pavilions and learn how decisions are influenced by countries’ local cultures, religious beliefs, and the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities. Beyond the scope of climate discussions, I delved into learning the ancient Turkish art of Ebru – a sustainable way of marble painting. Meeting Dr. Rajiv Kumar, former Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog (Planning Commission of India), and learning about his inspiring public service left an indelible impression on me. All these impactful experiences reinforced how the fusion of these diverse contexts is so integral to the climate space.

Returning from COP28, I am inspired and resolute to contribute to the green transition. The continued dedication of brilliant minds to finding solutions is quite comforting and motivating. However, a key question that my fellow delegates (and now me too) constantly contemplate is: Does COP serve merely as a platform for public declarations, a symbolic reminder of global environmental responsibilities? In the face of unanswered questions and uncomfortable responses, I remain grateful for the opportunity to attend one of the biggest climate conferences. As a policy student, I acknowledge the need for small changes, and I am reminded that the journey toward a sustainable future is challenging and only sometimes visible.

Shubhangi Thakur is a MALD student at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.