By Abby Le ‘25, Mathematical Economics “Cậu học gì ở Colorado College? “Tớ học Toán Kinh Tế.” “Thôi tớ không nói chuyện với mấy người đấy.” That threw me off a little bit. This playful exchange marked my introduction to Chiến, one of the Vietnamese youths I met at COP29 in Baku. The group included …
Category Archives: Courses
Press Conferences in ‘Karabakh Hall’: How Nations are Legitimizing Narratives of Armed Conflict at COP29
By Jamie Harvie, ’25, Anthropology Each year, the UNFCCC’s Conference of Parties (COP) accrues an international assemblage of world leaders and students, activists and NGOs, government officials and economists, and everyone in between. During this two-week event, these individuals and delegations – all with varying levels of power, capital, and social capital – become actors …
On Language Barriers and Translation at COP29
By Isabella Childs Michael ’25, Anthropology On Day 2 of COP29, I walked into the Special Event Room called Buta to attend a panel called “Climate change: an opportunity to strengthen the resilience of transboundary river basins” advertised as being in English. The first speaker introduced the panel, but as the next began, I realized …
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Discovering COP29 Art in Baku
By Jessica Legaard, ‘25, Environmental Studies From the minute we landed, Baku’s distinct aesthetic was striking. Bright, oversized screens at Heydar Aliyev International Airport welcomed us with advertisements for COP29, paired with stunning images of natural landscapes—most of whose exact location is still a mystery to me. Despite the late hour, there was energy in …
Moving into a dorm room–I mean–exhibit at COP29
By Isabella Childs Michael ’25, Anthropology Walking through the UNFCCC exhibits on Day 2 felt like stepping into a college residential building at the start of the school year, with all the rooms exposed. Rows of identical booths, many waiting to be personalized, laid before me. Each exhibit was furnished with two chairs, a table, …
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The Challenge of Financing a Just Transition
By Jessica Legaard, ’25, Environmental Studies Finances were central to the Conference of Parties (COP) this year in Baku, Azerbaijan. The parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA), agreed to set new climate finance targets for a “New Collective Quantified Goal” (NCGQ). This goal is meant to revise the prior goal of $100 billion. To reach …
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Bananas, Smiles, and Atomic Bombs: Attitudes toward Nuclear Energy at COP29
By Ella Reese-Clauson ’26, International Political Economy On the first Friday of COP29, I entered the generally professional and sterile Blue Zone to the sight of a small line of business-clad delegates waiting to have their picture taken with a pair of attendees dressed in inflatable polar bear suits. One after another, the delegates excitedly …
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Perusing Pavilions: The Pin-Hunt Mission and More
By Abby Le ’25, Mathematical Economics On my first day as a badge-holder, I planned to explore the venue, learn the layout, and prepare for the busy days ahead. The Blue Zone, the event’s epicenter, was split into formal meeting rooms and vibrant pavilions showcasing climate initiatives. I’d heard from CC alumni about the energy …
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The Green Zone of COP29: A Glorified, Greenwashed Trade Show
By Havalin Haskell, ’26, Environmental Studies Let’s just say it most definitely is “dedicated to advancing the COP29 Presidency’s vision and priorities for climate action.” On Thursday, Megan and I ventured to the Green Zone, which is open to civil society/the general public, because we weren’t badged for the Blue Zone. What is the Green …
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A Tense Saturday for the US Delegation at COP29
By Ashley Entwistle, ’26, History-Political Science As delegates from around the world gather in Baku to discuss the future of our climate, the results of the US election have left the US delegation divided on how to represent the nation’s climate future. The question of whether the US can remain a reliable international partner on …
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