Model Climate Event
News
Politics students become delegates for the day at model climate talks
Friday, 19 January, 2024The British International Studies Association (BISA) played host to four Bath Spa University Politics students who took part in a detailed simulation of global climate negotiations, taking place simultaneously with the real COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
As part of its overall remit to develop and promote International Studies, BISA organises highly regarded simulations of various international negotiations. The COP simulation was designed and chaired by Professor Mark Webber from the University of Birmingham.
Working alongside teams from 21 UK universities, the students were treated to a keynote speech by the Director of Energy and Environment at Public First, Sam Alvis, before setting to work on the negotiations.
Students were divided into negotiating teams and represented states currently signed up to international climate change agreements – such as the Paris Agreement. Harnessing knowledge and teamwork skills developed at university, the simulation required students to achieve hypothetical reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions.
Bath Spa students stepped into a whole new world as they embraced their roles – generating a fund to finance climate transition and agreeing on a statement of principles – negotiating as representatives from Canada and Bhutan.
They were accompanied by Senior Lecturer in Ethics, Politics and Environment, Mike Hannis. Mike discussed the experience, saying:
"Role play is the best possible way to learn about how real-life negotiations happen. But the scenario must be realistic and rigorously organised. This takes a great deal of work. BISA's expertise in this area is unparalleled, so this was a great educational experience for me, as well as for the students."
BISA Communications described the conversations as ‘lively’ and praised the students for displaying the “critical thinking and creativity to overcome the challenges posed by climate finance and CO2 reductions."
As a representative of Canada, Politics student Cameron Frier was at the heart of negotiations. Cameron said:
“The BISA climate conference was very beneficial. The day was packed and involved lots of group work and negotiations between different countries. As a representative of Canada, I prepared for the event by researching their climate goals. This helped me immerse myself during the event and I felt my stance was genuine.”
He continued:
“I not only developed my teamwork but also my negotiating and critical thinking skills. I gained a greater understanding of how global politics and conferences work and how delegates and advisors can influence the policies. I learned how truly important it is to present a wide range of voices when discussing key issues that affect the world. Regardless of power or influence, every voice was key to reaching deals and agreements.”
As the event closed, the participating students were awarded certificates in celebration of their achievements and passionate involvement in the simulation.
The University will continue to partake in BISA simulations and on 6 March a different group of Bath Spa students will travel to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in Westminster to become delegates for the day at Model NATO 2024.