The universality of saying “I’m a teacher”

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.

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