Responsibility at COP28: For Whom, For What?

by Lucy Kramer (Anthropology, ’26) The full U.S. delegation gathered at the final meeting for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement On the day before the final Global Stocktake text came out, the parties were lined up to give their interventions—at 1:00 am, when I left for the metro back to my hotel, there were …

The United States Disappoints at COP28 Yet Again

By Mckenna Ryan I’m writing on December 13th, the day after the official end of COP28, but negotiations still continue. This COP, the United States has established itself yet again as a guardian of the neocolonial global order. Throughout negotiations, it has been stubbornly committed to shutting down meaningful progress: refusing to contribute necessary funding …

No False Solutions: Climate Colonialism and the Grand Inga Dam

By Riss Banuelos The colonial-capitalist machine is the driver of climate change as it effectively exploits the earth and its beings, destroying countless lifeways. The prerequisite to extracting Nature’s resources has often been the removal and murder of indigenous and local people, severe environmental degradation has been a side effect. Furthermore, for those not displaced, …

Trade at COP28: Navigating New Frontiers in Climate Policy

by Zoraiz Zafar ’24 The COP28 conference marked a historic moment in the climate change dialogue, dedicating a day exclusively to ‘trade.’ This unprecedented focus reflects a growing understanding of trade’s integral role in addressing climate change. It represents a step forward in harmonizing economic and environmental objectives, acknowledging that global trade dynamics can significantly …

Unearthing the Impact: Soil’s Crucial Role in Climate Change

By Jasmine Sone As I sit here contemplating the future of our food, a disturbing fact enters my mind: only roughly 60 harvests are left in our topsoil. That’s all. It takes 1,000 years to produce three centimeters of topsoil, and if the current degradation rate continues, it is projected that the world’s topsoil might …

Exhibit Adventures: My Top Picks from COP28’s Exhibits

By Jasmine Sone Step into the captivating world of COP28 exhibitions, where ideas are showcased in brilliant shades of sustainability. The halls of COP28 were not merely places for debate but also galleries of inspiration, with collections that echoed the heartbeat of our planet’s future. The vivid and inventive displays across the Blue and Green …

The Catholic Church’s Role in Climate Action

By Mckenna Ryan and April Kwan Even home sick at the Vatican, Pope Francis has been making a historical impact at this year’s COP. Since his 2015 publication of Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home (six months before historic COP21, no less), Pope Francis has cemented the Catholic Church as a powerful ally …

In the Spirit of Talanoa Dialogue

By Riss Banuelos The Talanoa Dialogue is an Asian-Pacific-inspired storytelling process used in conflict mitigation, “Tala-” meaning story and “-noa” meaning without concealment or blame. This process was brought to the world of climate work as a “gift” from the Fijian President of COP23. The Colorado College delegation hosted two Talanoa-spirited dialogues, one amongst ourselves …

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