Austin College students travel to Dubai for 2023 Climate Conference
SHERMAN, TX – The 2023 United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) is drawing delegates from around the world from November 28–December 13, and Austin College has its own delegation attending as official observers in the host city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Eight students and two faculty are traveling to the event, with half the group in Dubai the first week of the conference, and the second group arriving for week two. While at COP28, the students will present live reports from Dubai via Zoom on Friday, December 1, in the Wright Campus Center during the noon hour.
The annual conference brings nations together to take action toward achieving the world’s collective climate goals as prescribed under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The Austin College group will have access to watch the COP28 “Blue Zone” sessions, where heads of state and environmental ministers negotiate policy concerning various climate issues. Students also can engage through the “Green Zone” where lobbyists, activists and exhibitors will be pitching their interests.
Austin College was granted official observer status as a research or educational institution following a 10-month application process. Physics professor Dr. David Baker initiated the application and developed the Austin College Climate Ambassador program after attending COP 27 in November 2022. Students selected as ambassadors have participated in a fall term course to research climate policies and choose an area of focus for more in-depth learning during the days they are in Dubai. Their topics include science innovation and technology, nature and health, finance, and global stocktake (evaluation of progress in climate action at the global level). Dr. Ruchan Kaya, political science faculty, is also accompanying students.
“Experiencing the climate conference in person fits with Austin College’s mission for global learning and service, and our students will bring back what they’ve learned so they can make a difference by sharing their knowledge about climate action,” Baker says. He will be sharing his experiences in Dubai via his X (formerly Twitter) account. He can be followed at @dave4planet.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, global awareness, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. An award-winning Environmental Studies program and rigorous science courses also are distinctive features. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter, and is celebrating its 175th year during 2023-2024.