Climate Action
A First-Timer’s Guide to COP!
December 13, 2024
Debapriya Dutt, Director Projects, Earth Day Network, South & South-East Asia
A First-Timer’s Guide to COP!
Day 1: Wednesday November 13, 2024
WEATHER: Windy, cold; the chill of the Caspian winds balanced by the warmth of new connections
MOOD: Energized, optimistic, inspired
The morning welcomed me with a crisp breeze, setting a tone of fresh energy for the first day at COP29. Conversations sparked and flourished, painting the day with moments of innovation and camaraderie.
A highlight was meeting Mr. Mansoor Ali Khan, also known as “E Reddy,” the trailblazing Founder and CEO of E DADDY. His journey in revolutionizing the Middle East’s electric vehicle sector was inspiring. Our discussions danced through potential collaborations: from climate conferences and plantation drives to promoting climate education across the Middle East and Africa. His vibrant personality shone, and his playful quirks—like donning sunglasses for an impromptu photo—added warmth to our shared aspirations.
Two years ago, I chose to nominate the City of Amsterdam’s Circular Economy which commits to building a system where waste is eradicated and citizens are prosperous by 2050. It saw the city advance to the finals of the Build a Waste-Free World category, yielding the organization invites to the annual Prize ceremonies.
I attended the Earthshot ceremony in Boston in 2022 and, much to my excitement, was tapped to go to South Africa this year.
I hadn’t been out of the country since my undergraduate semester abroad to to Oxford, England back in the 20th century — but the prospect of the connections I could make at the Earthshot event overcame my proclivity to stay sedentary. After much research on updated international travel customs — and loading up my devices with enough content to keep me sufficiently entertained during two 20-hour flights — I was ready. I left for the Dulles airport at 5:30am, thrilled but a little daunted!
Left to right my colleagues Neela Majumdar (Consultant, Director of Education & Outreach, India, EARTHDAY.ORG) and Karuna Singh (Regional Director, Asia, EARTHDAY.ORG), myself, and Mansoor Ali Khan (E Reddy), Founder and CEO of E DADDY
Panel from the Sumgayit State University Event
Later, a serendipitous meeting with Titi Oshodi, the Special Advisor for Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria, shifted my perspective further. What started as a lighthearted exchange turned into an impassioned discussion about embedding Climate Education into Nigeria’s NDCs. Titi’s enthusiasm culminated in a heartfelt video pledge to prioritize climate education—a moment that epitomized the power of shared goals.
Debapriya Dutt (Me) cheesin’ with Titi Oshodi, Special Advisor for Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria
As the day ended, I felt a profound sense of optimism. The winds of Baku seemed to carry promises of impactful collaborations.
Day 2: Thursday November 14, 2024
WEATHER: Sunny intervals with a crisp chill; the warmth of shared aspirations palpable in the air
MOOD: Reflective, inspired, ready for action
The day began with the anticipation of being part of a pivotal conversation. Speaking at the panel “Preparing Today’s Workforce for a Greener Tomorrow” with distinguished panelists like the CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, I felt the pulse of change. We discussed climate education and green-skilling as keystones for renewable energy expansion, echoing Earth Day 2025’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet™”, and emphasizing how inclusivity and education are key to building a green economy.
The panel reinforced that many green roles don’t require advanced degrees, and EARTHDAY.ORG’s work focuses on breaking misconceptions and empowering youth through knowledge and training. A critical appeal was made for mandatory inclusion of Climate Education in NDCs globally, addressing the gaps in awareness and action.
Smiling after the successful Sumgayit State University Event
Day 3: Saturday November 16, 2024
WEATHER: Overcast, occasional drizzle; introspective and transformative
MOOD: Energized, hopeful
The day’s richness lay in a workshop on “Developing a Climate Action Plan,” conducted alongside esteemed academics and executives. Collaboration with Oxford’s Saïd Business School was a standout moment, as they expressed keen interest in integrating Earth Day Network’s climate education tools into their teacher-training modules.
Equally compelling were corporate leaders eager to incorporate Earth Day into their organizational ethos, from employee engagement to sustainability-driven operations. These connections felt like laying bricks for long-term change.
Later that day, I attended the transformative Wisdom Keepers session hosted by Bodhi Patil. His passion for amplifying Indigenous voices was palpable as he offered to connect us with communities across the globe. Our discussion led to the idea of an eBook—a treasure trove of Indigenous practices aligned with Earth Day 2025’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet™.”
A special moment followed when I met a revered Indigenous leader from a renowned tribe. His excitement about organizing a grand Earth Day 2025 celebration in Peru, uniting Indigenous communities to share sustainable practices, was deeply inspiring. Their wisdom promises to redefine global conversations on living harmoniously with nature.
