SPOKANE, Wash. — Whitworth University Assistant Professor of Political Science Aaron Hitefield and two of his senior students, Dylan Richardson and Ziona Rose, are traveling to Baku, Azerbaijan to attend the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The conference takes place from Nov. 11 to Nov. 22.
Hitefield was able to attend last year's conference in person in Dubai with Richardson in attendance virtually. This year, all three will sit among some of the world’s top policymakers and climate experts from 200 countries.
Richardson is a senior majoring in political science and environmental studies. He says he is most looking forward to connecting with professionals in the world of environmental policy and creation care and interacting with policymaking on the world stage in the room where it all happens.
“Representing Whitworth as an official observer is the culminating experience available to a student of environmental policy,” Richardson said. “This meeting is an opportunity to practice good stewardship of God’s creation, personally enter into the policy process, engage with global environmental leaders, and critically examine the way I approach creation care as a vocation.”
Following graduation next spring, Richardson plans to serve in the environmental and conservation nonprofit realm before attending law school.
Rose, also a senior, is an environmental science major. She says she is most looking forward to being surrounded by leading experts and advocates driving critical climate discussions and engaging in policy debates that will give her invaluable insights into contributing more effectively to global environmental action.
“Attending COP29 holds immense significance for me, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for international relations within climate issues and my long-term career aspirations in this field,” Rose said. “I firmly believe that individuals with a background in environmental science, like myself, play a crucial role in shaping climate policy. By bridging the gap between scientific research and policy formulation, we can ensure that evidence-based solutions are at the forefront of decision-making processes."
Rose worked on climate action plans in Italy last summer and after graduation, she plans to focus on returning to long-term research projects conducted by the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) in the Tundra and Boreal Forest biomes in central and northern Alaska where she worked in 2023.
"My passion for this work stems from a deep-rooted desire to safeguard our planet for future generations and to promote sustainable development that prioritizes both environmental preservation and social equity," said Rose. "Thus, attending COP29 not only serves as a pivotal step in advancing my career but also allows me to contribute meaningfully to the international dialogue on climate action, advocating for policies that are grounded in scientific expertise and driven by a commitment to environmental stewardship.”
The Climate COP meets in a different city every year to demonstrate the importance of collaboration from nations across the globe.
While the overall goal of these meetings is increasing global cooperation to fight climate change, this year’s agenda includes 14 new initiatives intended to accelerate climate action and stimulate a transition toward sustainability. The initiatives cover topics such as zones and corridors for green energy, energy storage and strengthening climate resilience.
