The C in COP 28 Stands for Change

If the title of this blog sounds familiar, you must have read my climate story. Right now, sitting at a cafe in COP28 and harking back to the vibrant panels and palpable energy of those who surround me, I was compelled to continue writing my climate story. I went and took a look back at what I wrote about what more I wanted to accomplish and learn, and thinking about the past few months and even this growing experience here at COP, I am proud of myself.

Going into COP28, I really did not know what to expect. The days prior to travel, I was engaged in a class that talked about COP and prepared us for our trip, read Climate Generation’s digests, and even continually looked at social media accounts to see what was happening, but to each their own, everyone’s experience was going to be different, everyone’s goals at COP were individual to them, to their communities. To me, I was interested in seeing the intersection between art and climate change at a more global level and also, seeing the Philippines’ participation at COP, if there were any.

Right from the get-go, art surrounded us with all the buildings, sculptures, and multimedia installations.

This experience continued when you walked into the pavilions and noticed all the artwork showcased that brilliantly captures the urgency and significance of climate change and the imperative for immediate action. The pieces masterfully navigate the intersection of art and activism and foster a deep emotional connection that compels its viewers to take a second and contemplate the consequences of inaction.

In the heart of COP28, art becomes a mirror that reflects our challenges and a window into the world that we can shape through collective action and creativity. Seeing all the different works inspired me as an artist and made me recognize that as active contributors, we hold the potential to effect real change on a global scale.

On another note, the Philippine delegation, at this year’s COP, officially opened their first-ever Philippine Pavilion. Reminiscing my time as a Talk Climate Intern where I was able to share my father’s climate story and create a zine about Filipino climate art activists, I have been able to get a grasp of the climate change impacts on the Philippines. It is great to see and learn more about how the country is combining climate change adaptation and mitigation with resilience and sustainable pathways rooted in equity.

COP28 has become this canvas of change for me.

My passion for art and activism has been invigorated and fueled again, but by a renewed sense of urgency and purpose. Witnessing the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to climate action makes me feel a sense of pride for my identity and further amplifies my hopefulness, inspiring me to contribute tirelessly to the collective endeavor of creating a sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Ramier Villarama (he/him) was born in the Philippines but moved to New Jersey with his family at a young age. He is a third-year student at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. In addition to being a part of the Men’s Swimming and Diving team, he is a double major in Environmental Studies and Studio Art, with a minor in Asian Studies and a concentration in Food, Agriculture, and Society.

He was the Talk Climate Intern for Climate Generation during the summer of 2023 and has been continuously learning more about his Filipino culture and his relationship with nature, and connecting both that with his art and the work that he creates. Ramier is also passionate about how sustainable design is crucial for tackling climate change, hoping to achieve an advanced degree in Design Engineering.

Ramier 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.

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