Students gain international experience at climate conference in Azerbaijan

Nestled between Iran and Russia at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia, Azerbaijan sits on the westernmost cost of the Caspian Sea.

The country, with its unique influence of architectural styles, is host to several major events, including a Formula 1 race that has cars racing through the castle-lined streets of its capital city, Baku.

It was in this city that two Virginia Tech students found themselves for the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, colloquially referred to as COP29.

“International education enriches your perspective and helps you grow,” said Tyler Krupnik, a geography senior from Richmond and a Beyond Boundaries scholarship recipient. “It takes you out of your comfort zone and gives you new insights. Attending COP specifically was like seeing the world in one place. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and hearing their perspectives was incredibly valuable.”

For Dory Raterman, a junior in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Ashburn, Virginia, COP29 gave her a new perspective on her career path.

“My studies are heavily focused on the technical and scientific side of conservation,” she said. “But at the conference, I saw how policy works – how it’s often more about persuading people to implement scientific findings than about the science itself. It was eye-opening to realize that implementing conservation efforts requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.”

The student experience at COP29 was made possible because of Carol Franco, a senior research faculty member in the College of Natural Resources and Environment and a member of the Dominican Republic’s delegation at COP conferences since 2012. Virginia Tech students have attended since 2017, when the university became an observer for COP.

“At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a platform for international cooperation, students can experience first-hand climate policy development,” said Franco, who is in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. “Students have the unique opportunity to learn how global climate policies are decided through consensus from 197 countries and the importance of collaboration to address climate change impacts. The convention is also an important space for students passionate about a career in climate change, allowing them to connect with world leaders, experts, decision makers, and potential employers.”

The venue, the Baku Olympic Stadium, was divided into sections where nations showcased their initiatives. Talks, panels, and side events happening constantly from professionals located all over the world working in sustainability, conservation, and climate change.

“I spent time at the Oceans Pavilion, listening to panel talks on ocean conservation,” Raterman said. “Afterward, I introduced myself to the speakers, asked about their careers, and inquired about internships. I came away with valuable contacts who could provide advice and potentially opportunities in the future.”

These connections can open doors and provide guidance in competitive fields such as climate policy. Krupnik also found the event essential for his career, as it confirmed his passion for addressing climate change.

“Attending reaffirmed my interest in climate policy and politics. With my geography major and minors in GIS, meteorology, and climate and society, I want to work in climate change,” Krupnik said. “Having this experience early in my career gave me valuable insights and confirmed that this is a path I’m passionate about pursuing.”