I’ve been reflecting on what I could share with those of you following our COP experiences from home. I’ve had countless memorable experiences while navigating the conference’s bustling “streets,” and many I would love to process in writing. Today, however, I’m feeling especially grateful for the opportunities I’ve gained by introducing myself to others as a teacher.
On the Wednesday before I left for COP, I asked my 9th grade students to submit one question they’d like me to find the answer to while I was at COP.
I prompted them to think about what they already know about climate, how climate issues might affect the people in the countries where their families are from, or if there’s anything they’re curious about related to COP. In my rush to pack and prepare for my substitute, I didn’t get the chance to read their questions before I left, thinking I’d read them once I arrived.
My first day at COP felt aimless. The venue was enormous and maze-like, and event schedules were rich yet confusing. By day two, I had gotten the lay of the land, but still felt awkward walking into various pavilions, not knowing what to ask.
By midday, I decided to take a break. In a secluded, shady spot, I opened my laptop to read my students’ questions. I was flooded with new energy as I read questions like, “What is Somalia doing for climate change,” “Are poor countries represented as much a rich countries,” “If one country stops carbon emissions, will that be enough to solve climate change,” and my personal favorite, “Do you like it.”
With these questions in hand, I set off towards the Somalia pavilion with renewed purpose. After greeting the hosts, I watched their faces light up as I explained I was a teacher in Minnesota and my Somali students had questions for them. They showered me with pamphlets, business cards, and warmth.
For the rest of COP, I have centered my agenda on my students’ curiosity.
It has led to some incredible encounters. While visiting the Iraq pavilion on behalf of another student, I was greeted with enthusiasm. Just before I walked away, the host called me back to give me two “Iraq COP28” metal water bottles: one for my student and one for me. At the Palestine pavilion, I was brought to tears while listening to the host respond to my student’s question about climate justice issues in Gaza. During the Q&A portion of a panel about land conservation with indigenous women, I introduced myself as a high school teacher and asked a student’s question. Afterward, I showed one of the panelists my students’ handwritten land acknowledgments (crumpled from their journey inside my backpack) and an audience member came up to ask me how I support my students with climate anxiety. Today, I met a Canadian man at a panel who shared his gratitude for my work. Minutes later, a Korean woman at my lunch table expressed a similar sentiment, noting that climate literacy is vital to our world. I was touched.
In one of the world’s most diverse spaces, I’ve found a universal connection with others through my role as a teacher. I feel lucky to represent more than just myself because it has opened doors to connections I would never have had otherwise. I may have bitten off more than I can chew with 87 questions to answer by hand, but I wouldn’t have my COP experience any other way. To answer my student’s question, “Yes, I like it.”
Abby is a Language and Literature and Leadership teacher at a Fridley High School, an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School located in Fridley, MN. She is passionate about teaching climate literacy through stories to empower youth with knowledge of climate change, climate justice, and creative solutions. She has participated in climate educator fellowships through the University of Minnesota Center for Climate Literacy and The Climate Initiative. In the classroom, Abby shares her love of community building, lively discussion, reading, and music with her students. Outside of the classroom, Abby enjoys baking, hiking, bicycling, and listening to audiobooks on neighborhood walks.
Abby is a Climate Generation Window Into COP delegate for COP28. To learn more, we encourage you to meet the full delegation and subscribe to the Window Into COP digest.
The post The universality of saying “I’m a teacher” appeared first on Climate Generation.
The conference is one of the largest aimed at preparing for hurricane season, which begins June 1. A task force report on potential reforms to the agency also remains on hold.
ORLANDO, Fla.—A major conference to help communities prepare for hurricane season kicked off Monday without the agency that coordinates federal disaster response.
Right now, Greenpeace activists are standing up to Big Gas at a major gas conference in Sydney.
Inside the Sheraton Grand Hotel, executives from fossil fuel companies have gathered alongside lobbyists, investors and political allies to plan the future of gas in Australia – and how to maximise their profits.
So Greenpeace has stepped in to call it out. Activists have dropped a banner inside the venue with a clear message: Gas Execs Profit. We Pay The Price.
We need your help to spread the message that we won’t stand by and let this happen.
What’s really going on
Gas corporations are making billions in windfall profits from global conflicts – from Ukraine to Iran – while Australians pay the price with higher energy bills and climate damage.
And they want more.
More drilling. More exports. More profit.
Why Greenpeace took action today
This conference is where it all comes together. Behind closed doors, gas executives, lobbyists, investors and political allies are meeting to push for more gas expansion, no doubt using global instability as their justification.
That’s why Greenpeace couldn’t let this gathering go uninterrupted.
Big Gas is counting on people not paying attention. Let’s prove them wrong.
Share the video to call out Big Gas.
What needs to happen now
Gas is expensive. It’s volatile. And it ties our energy system to global instability.
But there is a better way. Renewable energy is already cheaper, more reliable, and made right here in Australia. It’s the fastest path to lower bills, real energy security and a safer climate.
To get there, we need to:
- properly tax the gas industry and its exports
- stop expanding gas
- and speed up the transition to homegrown renewable energy.
Share this video far and wide to show just how much support there is to tax Big Gas properly and speed up the transition to renewable energy.
This is just the beginning
This action is part of a growing movement to stand up to Big Gas and challenge the power it holds over our government and society. The Federal Government has a role to play – starting by taxing gas corporations properly and then accelerating the transition to homegrown renewable energy.
Together, we can show just how much support there is for change and make it impossible for decision-makers to ignore.
What you can do
- Follow along on our social channels.
- Share the video far and wide to show how much support there is.
- Sign the petition to tell Albo to stand up to Big Gas – because if we can, he can.
BREAKING: Greenpeace activists disrupt major gas conference in Sydney
SYDNEY, Tuesday 31 March 2026 — Two Greenpeace Australia Pacific activists have been arrested following a peaceful protest at the Australian Domestic Gas Outlook conference in Sydney, where they dropped a banner that said — “Gas Execs Profit. We Pay The Price” and held banners saying “Tax Gas Profits”.
Photos and B Roll video of the protest and arrests are available here
Live updates on Greenpeace Instagram
The two activists were arrested by police around 9:00am AEDT and taken to Day Street Police Station. Information on this morning’s gas conference disruption can be found here.
Solaye Snider, Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Greenpeace activists have taken a strong stand today against profit hungry gas corporations and lobbyists, who see horrific global wars as an opportunity to price gouge and profiteer, while everyday people pay the price.
“Australians have had enough of gas corporations like Santos and ConocoPhillips ripping us off, leaving us with nothing but empty pockets and climate damage. The gas industry is aggressively lobbying against being fairly taxed and pushing to drill for more gas. Change requires showing up and speaking out, and that’s what these activists have done today.
“Greenpeace Australia Pacific stands by our activists, and stands with all communities who are peacefully fighting for a safe and clean energy future. The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy and a basic right of all Australians.”
-ENDS-
Media contacts:
Lucy Keller: +61 491 135 308 or lkeller@greenpeace.org or Kate O’Callaghan: +61 406 231 892 or kate.ocallaghan@greenpeace.org
Greenpeace activists arrested after disrupting major gas conference in Sydney
-
Climate Change8 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases8 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Bill Discounting Climate Change in Florida’s Energy Policy Awaits DeSantis’ Approval
-
Climate Change2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Renewable Energy5 months agoSending Progressive Philanthropist George Soros to Prison?
-
Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits