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.

Second year from the Paris Agreement, What Now?

Paris Agreement was celebrated with joy by the international community when it was tabled back on 12 December 2015. Although it was a significant achievement by the opposing blocs (putting it generally, the developing and developed countries), it is a document outlining the main objectives of the fight against climate change. However, there is more work to be done. Details of the modalities need to be ironed out as soon as possible in order to pave the way forward towards the realization of the Paris Agreement. That is why COP 23 will be a technical COP, where the parties will (continue to) plan out what they want and what they don’t want in the “rulebook”.