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'Plenty of food for thought and action' despite Climate conference controversy

Published:18 January 2020

TOP: CQUni student Anna Rea at COP 25. BELOW: Anna with Senior Director for Policy and Program Coordination at UNFCCC, Martin Frick .

A CQUni student participant found that plenty of positive momentum was generated by the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP 25) in Madrid, despite the fact it started on the wrong foot and sparked frustrations and protests.

CQUniversity Medical Science student Anna Rea, of Cairns, attended as part of the Global Voices scholarship program via the CQUGlobal Outbound program.

Anna was excited to see a fresh focus on nutrition, sustainable diets, and sustainable food systems coming through the COP process, and she will continue to pursue the topics of food security and health in relation to climate change through her personal endeavours.

"This year I will continue writing my policy paper proposing a sustainability food rating system on food labels. I also plan on getting more involved with climate action in my local area and through online avenues," she says.

Anna had the chance to speak at an Australian Youth Dialogue event, presenting recommendations for a collaboration between young Australians and government to achieve ambitious targets. Australian Ambassador for the Environment Jamie Isbister expressed interest in engaging with these recommendations.

The Cairns woman had the opportunity to meet and converse with politicians, scientists, entrepreneurs and other professionals. She also witnessed a strong focus on youth and presence of young people.

"It was inspiring to see the passion, enthusiasm and innovation shown by young people and their efforts in achieving a sustainable future," Anna says.

"There were numerous occasions where young people were able to engage with political leaders and representatives to convey their message. There was also a focus on climate justice for Indigenous populations and gender equality.

"It was very insightful to be able to witness negotiations first-hand to appreciate the political system on an international scale.

"I met with Australian negotiators, who are passionate about climate change, and play an essential role in the process. Throughout our meetings, I was able to connect with many accomplished professionals and be exposed to a variety of opportunities for career pathways working towards climate solutions.

"It was also empowering to realise that us, as citizens, have the power to determine the future of our planetary health. As consumers, we create demand for sustainable business practices and products. As citizens, we have the power to vote and bring political attention to important issues. There are a multitude of opportunities to get involved, whether it is non-for-profit organisations, education, strikes, or online involvement. Every bit counts."

COP25 was supposed to be held in Chile but civil unrest forced a short-notice move to Spain, with the logistical nightmare of changing the travel of tens of thousands of participants.

Then followed frustrations around the progress of negotiations over carbon markets, loss and damage, and finance, and criticism of Australia's notion of carry-over credits (thought to diminish the spirit of the Paris Agreement).

"The louder voices at the conference were the youth and Indigenous people," Anna says.

"The end of the conference was approaching, and the negotiations were at a stalemate likely to be postponed for next year at COP26. No agreement meant no action for at least another year.

"Protests arose, led by the frustration of inaction and demand for urgency to address the climate emergency. Youth felt robbed of their childhood and future, burdened to pay the imminent price of inaction. There was also a sense of injustice for Indigenous communities, developing countries, and small island nations who are already suffering the effects of climate change.

"I watched youth activists Greta Thunberg and Hilda Najabuye present emotional speeches in the Planery. Thunberg voiced her frustrations and despair on the progress of negotiations, where Najabuye portrayed the unfortunate fate of her Ugandan community suffering from climate change. Following the speeches, an unprecedented protest erupted crying for climate justice.

"Hundreds of protesters were sternly escorted out of the building and de-badged, banning them from returning to the conference. There was a frustration of inadequate political leadership to take climate action and represent the views of civil society."

* The CQUGlobal Outbound program allows current CQUniversity students to experience life and study in over 60 countries across six continents.