For my project, I had the opportunity to attend the YOUNGO Local Conference of Youth in Tempe, Arizona, with the purpose of drafting the National Youth Statement on Climate. In mid-August, I was chosen, among others, to represent the state of Ohio by serving as one of the ~140 U.S. delegates to the conference, who I worked alongside to negotiate and write policy demands regarding the mitigation, adaptation, and financing of climate change and its consequences. Our finalized statement will be sent to local, state, and federal government officials, including the U.S. negotiators at COP29.
Attending this conference allowed me to become more confident in my own knowledge regarding climate change and its impacts, and it encouraged me to speak up and share my own opinions and requests on behalf of all young people living in the state of Ohio and beyond. I now have the experience of speaking in front of large groups, and the ability to negotiate and argue on my behalf and on the behalf of others with unwavering confidence and certainty. Attending this conference also opened my eyes to the struggles of other individuals living in different regions of the country, and it inspired me to fight more for the inequities that many individuals are facing as a result of climate change. Prior to attending the conference, I was unsure about my interest in law, politics, and policy, but I am now excited to work toward a career in environmental policy making, especially now that I have made valuable connections in that area.
Having the opportunity to meet with over 140 like-minded individuals and being able to engage with leaders in environmental science and policy had a major impact on my academic, personal, and career goals. The collaborative nature of drafting the National Youth Statement on Climate required me to actively participate in discussions, negotiating on behalf of Ohio and the broader interests of youth. This high-stakes environment made me more comfortable advocating for my views and engaging in policy discussions, which will be extremely important in my future career if I continue down the path of international development and climate policy.
One key interaction was with a leader from the foreign aid sector who encouraged me to reach out and learn more about the path she took toward success, with the hope that I could take a similar pathway in my career. Her guidance not only helped me understand the complexities of the foreign aid landscape but also further inspired me to look at careers in the field, which I had already been considering prior to the conference. This personal connection, among others that were created, gave me new perspectives on how I can contribute my own experience in the fight against climate change, especially in lower-income regions of the world. Gaining an understanding of the fact that it is possible to combine my interests of international development and climate change was eye-opening, and honestly, somewhat comforting, knowing that I no longer have to choose between one or the other, but can instead make an impact in both.
Additionally, working closely with peers from various regions and backgrounds helped me appreciate the diversity of climate issues faced across the U.S. We had several debates about regional priorities and solutions, which broadened my understanding of the wide-reaching impacts of climate change and reinforced my desire to advocate for equitable policies. There were some especially interesting conversations, particularly surrounding the use of electric vehicles, that opened my eyes to the amount of complexity surrounding climate change and how to fight against it.
This transformation is incredibly valuable because it directly relates to my academic and professional goals of working in the field of international development. By solidifying my interest in environmental policy and climate protection, it has given me a clearer direction for my future career and an understanding of how to reach my goals. I now know that I want to work in a field that combines my interests of international development and climate science, specifically focusing on how policies can mitigate the impacts of climate change for developing regions. The confidence I gained in public speaking and policy negotiation will also serve me well in any future roles that require advocacy or leadership, which is likely to occur given the field I plan to enter.
On a personal level, this experience has made me more proactive and passionate about environmental justice, and it has inspired me to work harder in my fight against climate change, as I now understand how much of a difference young people can actually make. I also feel a greater sense of responsibility to use my voice and skills to make a positive impact, not just for my community, but for those who are most vulnerable in the world of growing climate change and disasters.
