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By Jack Willis, COP29 Fellow
“What is COP?” That has been the question I have found myself being asked time and time again in this recent chapter of my life. The source is indiscriminate - friends, family, colleagues and strangers – all have the same question. As an engineering student, the importance of sustainability is ingrained in you from the very beginning of your formal studies, throughout your degree, you become well acquainted with the various pillars of sustainability, the vision of sustainable development and its vitalness for ensuring a balanced future. This theme has become ubiquitous across STEM curriculums taught around the country, in an attempt to prepare the minds of tomorrow for solving the problems of today. In my instance, many years ago my studies introduced me to the UNFCCC and COP, but for most people, this is not the case. For most people, this more recent wave of sustainable focus came too late, and the issue lies in the fact that these ‘most people’ constitute the dominant minds of today.
This point illustrates that a successful global transition to net zero can only be achieved if it is first ensured that everyone is approaching such problems informed and impartially. One thing that engineering and physics has impressed upon me is the importance of diverse perspectives in effective collaborative problem-solving. Diverse perspectives are not in short supply, however, the current barriers that prevent the people behind these perspectives from engaging in problem-solving, revolve around the lack of access to palatable information for people, and their ability to scrutinise it with the appropriate scientific rigour. As can be often seen in politics, when people in power are far removed from the experiences of the majority they represent, or how the world has changed around them since adopting their position, they often fail to make decisions that accurately embody the perspectives of the people they stand for. A similar occurrence was previously observed in the climate action sphere, and although now the people in power - the dominant minds of today - are more appropriately attuned to the urgency of the challenges faced, new gaps have emerged. From an engineering perspective, my approach has been particularly focused on the uptake of scientific literacy and addressing the lack of accessibility which is prerequisite hurdle to the development of the necessary technical know-how behind delivering the innovative solutions required to meet our climate goals. Further, addressing the newfound disparity that appears in the global climate action movement, and tackling the imbalance between those with scientific expertise and those with the power to influence policy.
In implementing this top-down approach to sustainability, such as that delivered by COP, it is essential to prioritise inclusivity at every level of decision-making and avoid creating the perception of exclusivity that often comes with centralized authority. One of the reasons so many people remain unaware of what COP is—or don’t engage with it—is because they fail to see the significant role that, they, as individuals, could play in shaping the future of climate action. This disconnect is not solely due to a lack of information but also the way in which climate discussions have historically been framed. Often, climate action has been portrayed as something that only governments, corporations, or experts can influence, leaving individuals feeling powerless or disconnected from the process. When people are not made to feel part of the solution, they disengage, further perpetuating a cycle of inaction.
The reality is, however, that every person has a stake in the future of the planet, and their actions and voices can contribute meaningfully to the broader goal of sustainability. Through democratising access to knowledge, everyday people, particularly the young minds of tomorrow, can become the driving force behind this sustainable transition. Inclusivity in the climate movement is not just about representation; it’s about fostering a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment and eliminating the barriers that prevent meaningful engagement. For COP to truly succeed, it must evolve beyond being a platform for political leaders and experts. It needs to resonate with the general public, showing people that their daily choices, their advocacy, and their participation in community-level actions can collectively drive significant change. The more people understand how climate issues intersect with their lives, the more they will feel compelled to act. This sense of personal agency is crucial if we are to mobilise a global movement capable of addressing the scale of the climate crisis.
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The views and opinions expressed by Global Voices Fellows do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation or its staff.