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COP29: Why I am attending and key themes I hope to see addressed

Ripple Effects
Anna Romano, Postgraduate student (MA Global Media Industries)

10 November 2024

ANNA ROMANO, a postgraduate student (MA Global Media Industries), will be participating in COP29 as a King's virtual delegate. She outlines what she is hoping to get out of this year’s conference and explores themes she thinks will be an important part of the event, including accessibility in climate discourse, practical solutions for the energy transition, the role of the media and how major events like COP29 can inspire direct action.

Anna Romano COP

Why I wanted to attend COP29

By attending COP29 I am incredibly fortunate to be joining a global gathering of experts, leaders, and advocates determined to address climate change, and witness how they seek to translate complex issues into practical solutions for real-world application. Through this lens I hope to see first-hand how global summits, like COP29, can be made accessible to everyday individuals and students like me.

My motivation to be part of COP29 is rooted in my experience working with sustainability and ESG Advisory, which helps organisations with environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) issues, along with my work with the Liberal Democrats in addressing government’s action on the climate emergency.

My undergraduate dissertation explored how Public Relations firms, corporations and media outlets influence the public perception on climate change. COP29 offers me and the world at large an insight into the decision making of nations and large businesses as they address the pressing issue of sustainability. It is going to be particularly interesting observing how media coverage shapes public understanding of climate issues and generally addresses what will be discussed behind the closed doors of this year conference.

Making COP29 Accessible to All

For many, COP29 conferences can feel distant, burdened with technical terms and policy debates. However, the real impact of these gatherings lies in making climate solutions accessible to non-professionals who can implement change in their communities and businesses. One of my hopes for COP29 is that the summit can further bridge this gap, providing insights and guidance that resonate beyond policymakers and experts.

One way to achieve this is by focusing on the practical application of climate solutions. Instead of abstract goals or ambitious targets, accessible language and real-world examples can help lead individuals to take meaningful action. I hope, businesses can show examples of how to transition off single-use fossil fuels and pivot to renewable energy sources, reduce waste in manufacturing, and offset emissions effectively. In everyday life, people – including us students – should be encouraged to adopt energy-efficient practices at home, understand carbon labels, and support sustainable brands.

Accessibility also means including and elevating a wide range of voices, from grassroots activists to small business owners. These voices can ground COP29 discussions in the realities of what communities and companies are experiencing on the ground, making the event feel relevant and actionable for everyone.

Solutions for Businesses and Everyday Life

Many think individuals are relegated to only making a small impact in comparison to the footprint of large corporations. So here is what I am expecting from those who can make the greatest impact.

The energy transition often represents a complex and costly undertaking. Many companies may want to act but lack clear guidance on how to make sustainable choices that align with margins, budgets, and environmental goals. I can now consider myself a bit of a fanatic on exploring the ways businesses can avoid wrong-doing and how to successfully become “Green”. So here are two practical agenda points that I will be closely looking for as I participate in COP29:

  • Clear Roadmaps for Decarbonisation: a structured pathway for businesses to decarbonise their operations and a framework to help demystify this complex process. This could range from resources on selecting renewable energy options to support on building circular economies within specific industries.
  • Support for SMEs: Smaller businesses often lack the resources that larger corporations have for adopting sustainable practices. Support from governments and more sizable organizations can make energy-efficient technologies or greener materials more affordable and accessible.

And for us as students, academics and professional services staff at King’s, our actions can further energy-saving practices and these are easy to implement at home, such as installing efficient lighting, choosing appliances with high energy ratings, or understanding how personal transportation choices contribute to carbon emissions.

Bridging the knowledge gap between technical discussions at COP29 and actionable steps for households could be a transformative way to drive widespread change.

Highlighting Challenges in the Energy Transition

One of the most pressing issues is the energy transition and the significant challenges it brings. Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a complex, multi-faceted task with economic, social, and governance hurdles – which is why ESG regulations are so important.

Many countries and industries still rely heavily on fossil fuels for energy security and economic stability. Transitioning away from these energy sources, while necessary, presents risks to jobs and raises concerns about energy affordability. In regions where renewable energy infrastructure is underdeveloped, a rapid transition could lead to economic instability or even energy scarcity. In addition, the cost of renewable technologies, though falling, can be prohibitive for smaller companies and developing nations. For the transition to succeed, COP29 needs to address these equity issues, finding ways to make renewable energy affordable and accessible worldwide – including in the UK where as we know many struggle with the high cost of energy bills.

Finally, there’s the issue of time. The scale of infrastructure changes required for a full energy transition means that progress can feel slow. But by showcasing innovative projects and successful case studies at COP29, it can inspire confidence that these hurdles can be overcome. Or at least, lets hope.

The Role of Media in Bridging the Gap

Media coverage is instrumental in shaping public perception of climate change, and I believe it has a critical role in translating COP29’s discussions into accessible narratives. Effective reporting can demystify complex topics, highlight successful initiatives, and show how international agreements impact our lives. It can also hold leaders accountable, making sure that commitments made on the world stage translate into meaningful change. And, dear reader, I am also holding you accountable.

As someone with a background in communication and politics, I’m particularly interested in how COP29 will be reported and what stories will be highlighted in the press. Based on my experience, reporting that focuses solely on the technical and political can distance people from the issues, but stories that emphasise solutions, local impacts, and relatable challenges have the power to engage wider audiences.

In my own work and academic studies, I’ve explored how public relations firms and institutions shape the public’s understanding of climate issues. Events like COP29 have the potential to either reinforce or challenge the narratives surrounding climate change. I’m keen to observe how media organisations approach this year COP29, especially in a digital age where misinformation and polarised coverage can skew public perception.

Turning global discussions into local action

Attending COP29 will allow me to deepen my understanding of how nations and major companies approach sustainability. I’m especially interested in observing how progress is judged and evaluated, and in understanding the various frameworks used to track and report climate commitments. As a student in global media industries, COP29 presents an invaluable chance to see how the media frames and communicates complex environmental issues. It’s not just about the information shared but about how that information can be distilled into stories that inspire people to act.

To conclude, my goal at COP29 is to explore how these global discussions can translate into local action, helping businesses and individuals find practical steps that can be taken to reduce their environmental impact. I look forward to bringing back insights from COP29 that will inform my work in sustainability, media, and public understanding of climate issues. Events like COP29 have the potential to inspire not only new policies but also produce a cultural shift toward sustainable, climate-conscious lifestyles, and I’m honoured to be a part of that journey.

Ripple Effects

Ripple Effects is the blog from King's Climate & Sustainability, showcasing perspectives from across the King's community.

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