An estimated 85,000 people from around the world gathered for the 28th UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12, and GCC's Kate Zyla, Kimberly Smith, and Caren Fitzgerald were among the attendees. The largest international gathering on climate change to date, COP28 included side-events from all sectors of civil society happening concurrently with negotiations among representatives from 198 countries that concluded in a global agreement to "transition away" from fossil fuels. Throughout the conference, the GCC team facilitated an official side event elevating U.S. subnational experiences on a global stage, observed negotiation proceedings, forged new relationships, and connected with GCC's partners in local, state, and federal government, community-based organizations, academia, and the private sector.
Partnering on the Path to Net Zero in North America
Side Event Recording Available
On Dec. 6, Georgetown Climate Center joined The Climate Registry, U.S. Green Building Council, and The Business Council for Sustainable Energy to host an official COP28 Side Event featuring subnational government officials from local, state, and federal government, as well as private sector representatives, to discuss how they are working together to advance climate action solutions.
Amy Holm, Executive Director of The Climate Registry, kicked off the event with welcoming remarks, followed by a fireside chat between GCC Executive Director Kate Zyla and U.S. Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Mayock, who discussed federal investments in clean and resilient infrastructure, including the historic Inflation Reduction Act. Two panels of subnational leaders then shared the projects underway in their towns, counties, states, and businesses, and how public-private partnerships are critical to rolling out on-the-ground solutions that reduce emissions, increase resilience, and positively impact everyday life for the people who live in their jurisdictions. A full list of speakers can be found on the GCC website.
"Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important discussion, bringing local actions to the forefront of the global conversations," said GCC's Kate Zyla. "We were thrilled to see such a full room gathered to listen, learn, and connect with people from all levels of U.S. government represented on the panel, as well as private-sector leaders to give examples of how public policy and industry can work together on transportation, energy efficiency, and more for climate action."
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| GCC Executive Director Kate Zyla chats with U.S. Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Mayock in front of a full audience at COP28. |
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| U.S. Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Mayock and GCC's Kate Zyla |
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| The Climate Registry's Amy Holm gives opening remarks. |
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| John Powers, Schnider Electric; Clemence Arto, Autodesk; Liane Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board; Lisa Jacobson, Business Council for Sustainable Energy |
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| Chris Ronayne, County Executive of Cuyahoga County, Ohio; Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, Columbia, Missouri; Rep. Alex Valdez, Colorado General Assembly; Maryland Environment Secretary Serena C. McIlwain; Sarah Zaleski, U.S. Green Building Council |
Connecting with partners and Georgetown colleagues and students
"In addition to meeting with people from around the globe, COP can provide opportunities to speak face to face with people you live and work near but rarely get the chance to connect with under everyday circumstances…until you're having conversations halfway across the world," shared GCC Business Director Kimberly Smith. The GCC team connected with climate leaders from the public space, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Senator and Senate Environment & Public Works Committee Chair Tom Carper, and U.S. Office of Management & Budget Director Shalanda Young.
GCC's staff were pleased to be part of a 30-person delegation from Georgetown University and Georgetown Law participating in COP28, coordinated by Professor Joanna Lewis, including students, faculty, and staff.
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| Kate Zyla, Kimberly Smith, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser |
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| Caren Fitzgerald with Senate Environment & Public Works Committee Chair Tom Carper |
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| Caren Fitzgerald with Georgetown Law Student Ali Unar and Director of the Georgetown Global Cities Initiative Uwe Brandes at the Faith Pavilion. |
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| Professor Joanna Lewis and GU students grab dinner in UAE |
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| Kimberly Smith with U.S. Office of Management & Budget Director Shalanda Young |
