Neve Keachie Blog
Neve Keachie is a third-year International Relations student and has recently represented the University of Glasgow at the BISA Student Climate Simulation in London
In April 2023 I travelled to London to participate in the second British International Studies Association (BISA) student climate simulation. I represented the University of Glasgow, the only Scottish University in attendance. Myself and three other International Relations/Politics students were selected to participate after undertaking the Honours classes: Environmental Politics or Energy Politics within Politics and International Relations.
Before the Simulation in Glasgow…
Before heading down to London, we were allocated two countries to represent: Pakistan and Iran. I represented the delegation of Iran, with fellow student Louie Holland. Zach Lubin and Rowan Davidson represented the delegation of Pakistan. Ahead of the simulation we were supplied with ‘briefing materials’ which constituted the basis of the debates. These materials included statistics for all 33 countries participating in the simulation based on economic performance and CO2 emissions of each country from 1990 until 2021. The materials provided by BISA were extensive and rather confusing at first glance!
We met in the days leading up to the conference here in Glasgow to get to know one another and decide which stance we should take when representing our countries. It was really great to meet everyone and it definitely eased my nerves, considering I didn’t know any of the other participants from previous classes.
The day before…
In full environmental spirit, a la’ Greta Thunberg, we travelled to London by train, (Something which current environmental leaders could follow in the footsteps of!). During our train ride down to Euston, we worked on our tactics and looked over the still confusing briefing materials. With some last minute finalising of our opening speeches we were ready!
Once we had settled in London we met for pizza, chatted about our irrational fears (pigeons, bridges, public proposals…) and whether pineapple is an acceptable pizza topping (it’s not!). Sorry Rowan!
The Simulation!
The simulation was an all day event, running from 9 am until 5pm. Carne Ross, the founder and executive director of Independent Diplomat, a diplomatic advisory group, opened the conference with a keynote about his experience as a diplomat and the importance of climate change negotiations.
We then began the simulation by delivering a brief opening statement on behalf of our respective delegations. The opening speeches were crucial to the agenda-setting of the conference and highlighted each country’s stance regarding their intended contribution to climate finance and reducing CO2 emissions.
In my speech on behalf of Iran, in consideration with current international affairs and the sanctions imposed by the US and Europe, I affirmed that Iran would not contribute to negotiations without the lifting of all sanctions. This was a hard-line speech which set the tone for Iran’s intentions and potential contributions to the conference (which were very few). It was important for us to represent our delegations realistically to get the most from the experience and understand how difficult it is for so many countries with differing ambitions, reputations and resources to agree to these negotiations.
Zach presented the opening statement for Pakistan, highlighting how severe the threat of climate change is as Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world. Specifically addressing the recent floods, he focused on the long-term damage and the lack of economic means to mitigate or adapt to these changes. As the country with the lowest GDP per capita in attendance, Zach and Rowan wanted to focus the negotiations more on climate finance than CO2 emissions reduction to better reflect the needs of Pakistan.
Debate 1- Reducing CO2 Emissions
The first round of negotiations in the morning surrounded the topic of CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions are primarily the result of burning fossil fuels. Many countries critically rely on fossil fuels for their economy and to produce energy and fuel cars.
The general expectation for this debate was that large emitters of CO2 would decrease their emissions the most, which of course was difficult to agree upon. China, the largest emitter, held a tough stance on their emission reductions. After much deliberation and pledges from most countries, the negotiation was able to hit its first reduction target.
As you can imagine, the negotiations were tough, as all decisions required consensus. All whilst balancing pressure from other countries to reduce CO2 emissions and also maintaining the realistic stance of your country and physical parameters. Whilst also keeping current international affairs in mind, both Iran and Pakistan held realistic grounds and opted for alliances with friendly countries, with very differing motives.
Debate 2- Climate Finance
After the lunch break, the second round of negotiations shifted to the issue of climate finance. Discussions were held on how to facilitate the global transfer of climate finance from wealthier countries to poorer countries to help them combat the climate crisis. Often in the form of a loss and damage fund, the richer countries agree to finance the countries that cannot afford to combat climate change, yet experience the most destruction from climate change-related events.
With the negotiations centred around the wealthy countries (donors), the delegations from poorer countries (recipients) did their best to encourage more ambitious targets. Following much deliberation, the parties were able to reach the first target and agree on an initial climate finance package from the donor countries to the recipient countries. While multiple delegations sought to achieve more ambitious climate finance targets, a vote saw the discussions refocus around more progressive CO2 reduction efforts.
At the end of a long day of debating, we all celebrated with some well-deserved Greek food and spent the next day sightseeing before returning back to Glasgow.
Reflections on the Simulation
My reflection on the simulation is overwhelmingly positive. It was a very great experience which I detailed in my addition to the SPS Student May 2023 Newsletter!
Thank you!
I would like to conclude this blog post with a special mention to the other participants from the University; Rowan Davidson, Zach Lubin and Louie Holland who are all graduating this year! It was a pleasure to represent the University of Glasgow with you all and I’m glad I have made such great friends from this experience!
And finally, an extra special thank you to Dr Andrew Judge and Professor Kelly Kollman for facilitating this entire experience, for their kindness, and for their absorbing environmental/energy politics classes which meant we all had a great base of knowledge for the simulation!