DeMont students and faculty members embarked on an enlightening journey to the COP’28 events at EXPO City, Dubai, UAE from December 6th to 7th. The visit proved to be a transformative experience for the students, providing profound insights into global sustainability and environmental issues. Within the Green Zone, the students immersed themselves in various pavilions, gaining valuable knowledge about sustainable practices and worldwide efforts aimed at securing a sustainable future. The primary objective of the visit was to cultivate awareness about sustainability practices, environmental preservation, and the UAE’s pivotal role in achieving climate neutrality, with the ultimate aim of inspiring students to actively engage in climate action.
During their visit, the students explored a diverse array of pavilions, each offering unique perspectives. They delved into the Indigenous Peoples’ Ceremonial Circle, which underscored the indispensable role of Indigenous communities in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. At the UAE House of Sustainability, they encountered the Sustainability Oasis, Our Journey of Collective Progress, and Our Future of Sustainable Flourishing areas, gaining a deeper understanding of the UAE’s historical irrigation system and the thriving native flora within the
UAE’s climate.
Subsequently, the students ventured into Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion, where they witnessed first and the impact of human activities on the ecosystem and marine life. They also gained awareness about fashion and food waste, cultivating a mindset of conscious decision-making. The Technology and Innovation Hub served as a hub of cutting-edge technology and forwardthinking concepts, with a focus on generating innovative solutions to address climate change and achieve the 1.5-degree goal
The Humanitarian Hub provided poignant insights into the intersection of climate action and humanitarian efforts, shedding light on the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and the indispensable role of international collaboration in addressing these challenges. This experience left the students inspired by the resilience of communities and motivated to contribute to initiatives that bridge the gap between climate action and humanitarian aid.
At the Energy Transition Hub, participants were immersed in the evolution of clean energy solutions, underscoring a collective commitment to a sustainable energy future. Additionally, the Climate Finance Fund pavilion offered valuable insights into the financial mechanisms supporting global climate initiatives, fostering discussions on the pivotal role of financial institutions and the private sector in catalyzing climate action.
The visit not only deepened the students’ understanding of global climate challenges but also instilled a heightened sense of responsibility and motivation to contribute to positive change. Exposure to the diverse perspectives and solutions offered by COP’28 has left an indelible mark on the participating students, igniting a passion for active participation in the global dialogue on climate action – a small yet significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient world
