MYD Training Series VI: Understanding the Language of Climate Change Policy

A long due post after procrastinating. 

Yoke Ling from Third World Network (TWN) was invited to share her insights on climate change policy. Apparently, all the action on climate change started back in the 1980s when it wasn't much about science but more about people's feeling. Back then there was a lot of unsustainable consumption, that's why there was political will to fight climate change.
*The Development part of the UN is more on cooperation and not punishment.

Humans of COP: Nagisa Yoshioka

Q: Please tell me about yourself.

A: I am Nagisa, the former representative of Climate Youth Japan. In 2012, I attended in COP18 and it was my first time to be involved with world youth climate activities. Trough the experience of COP, I found that we have the great potential and plenty of chances to take action for our future. On the other hand, I also felt that the presence of Japanese youths was a little weaker compared to others, which is why I decided to be a part of climate activism. Now, I’m studying international studies at the University of Tokyo as a master student and working on some climate-related research projects such as climate-induced migration in Pacific islands and climate risk insurance in Southeast Asia. Due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of natural disaster are supposed to be increasing, which leads to serious impacts on vulnerable communities in developing regions. Keeping my eyes not only on the global context of climate change but also on people who are affected by climate change is my motto.

Political significance of the COP Presidency

COP has always been the buzzword of the international climate negotiation, especially during November, when COPs are usually held. Knowing that COP is the platform where all parties come together to discuss and negotiate matters pertaining to the UNFCCC, it is easy for us to gruel on the content of the debate and oversee the importance of the backbone of COP – the organizational side of it.