Reflections from Our Delegates

COP28 Reflections: A Personal Perspective on Global Climate Action

By Kevin J. Patel

I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself - I am Kevin J. Patel, a Climate Justice Activist in Los Angeles, CA, and it brings me great pleasure to connect with you through this medium. As many of you know COP28 has come and gone and as we transition into this new year, I wanted to take a moment to share my reflections on how the Conference of the Parties on climate change went. I was honored to attend as a member of Youth Climate Lab’s delegation this year! The conference brought together leaders from around the world to address pressing issues related to the climate crisis, and it left a profound impact on me. Opinions on the outcomes of COP28 will vary widely - some hailing it as a historic success, others viewing it as a disappointment. It has been labeled both as a step in the right direction and as an event dominated by the fossil fuel industry, the very climate criminals causing this issue. I know many are saying COP28 is seen as a framework rather than a quick-fix or solution. Honestly I couldn’t agree more, and as for outcomes of this COP, we took small steps towards the right direction but we aren’t there yet. I remain optimistic that with all of our collective efforts we will achieve much more. Here are some of my key takeaways!

COP28 began with the establishment of an historic agreement on a Loss and Damage Fund to help Global South countries cope with the effects of climate change. In total, more than $700 million USD has been pledged to the fund. While this is a significant step towards the right direction, we aren’t yet there given climate disasters are gonna total in the billions. Not to mention that one of the biggest climate contributors, the United States, only pledged a lump sum of $17.5 million, which is nothing. I know there is a lot more work to be done on this front in the coming months - hopefully at Subsidiary Body meetings and COP29, or much sooner.

Young people showed up! The presence and impact of youth activists at COP28 was particularly noteworthy. Their passion and determination served as a powerful reminder that the fight against the climate crisis belongs to current and future generations. It was heartening to see young voices being heard and influencing policy discussions – from those participating in the protest to speaking at the plenary sessions.

One of our main goals as a delegation was to increase the mental health of youth climate activists and activists alike. I am super grateful for the partnership of OneUpAction and Youth Climate Lab to make care packages a reality for those who attended COP28. If you saw our delegation, you may have received a bag full of surprises. In total we handed out 200 bags!

Lastly, the consensus agreement to ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels is also noteworthy. Witnessing nations come together to find common ground and commit to ambitious climate goals was inspiring. The spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility was evident in the negotiations, signaling a growing global awareness of the interconnectedness of our climate challenges. That being said, the fight isn’t over yet. We need a complete phase out of fossil fuels.

Attending COP28 reinforced my commitment to environmental stewardship. The urgency of the situation demands not only policy changes at the global level but also individual and community-level actions. As we reflect on the outcomes of COP28, let us all consider how we can contribute to positive change in our own lives and communities. Looking ahead, while COP28 marked some progress, there is still so much work to be done. As we move forward, let us remain engaged and committed to the cause. Whether it's advocating for sustainable practices, supporting clean energy initiatives, or raising awareness in our communities, each of us has a role to play in shaping a more sustainable & just future. I encourage you to share your own thoughts and reflections on COP28. Let's continue the conversation and work together!

Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. I look forward to hearing others’ thoughts on this crucial issue.

Warm regards,

Kevin J Patel

A Delegate’s Reflection on COP28

By Dev Sharma

As an 18-year-old food activist, COP28 was a pivotal moment in my advocacy journey. As a YCL delegate, I engaged in global climate dialogue with representatives from different countries. My highlight was the unveiling of the food declaration, endorsed by 130 countries. This symbolised the largest collective drive to transform food systems in the history of COP. Alongside this, we youth drafted a manifesto to lobby for change and amplify our voices in these key discussions.