UN Climate Summit Simulation

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, negotiated by most of the world’s nations in December, was signed on Earth Day.  Many praise the agreement reached nations as a historic landmark and turning point for addressing climate change.  Others argue that the agreement does not go nearly far enough to attain the stated goals of keeping global temperatures from rising no more than 2.0 degrees C (1.5. degrees C) this century.  In reference to the climate agreement, British columnist George Manbiot stated: “By comparison to what it could have been, it’s a miracle.  By comparison to what it should have been, it’s a disaster.”

You too probably have your own opinion on the final accord as well as on how it was negotiated.  Ever wondered what might have happened had you been one of the climate negotiators?  What would you advocate for?  How would the negotiations turn out?  Could you do better?  You have the opportunity to find out.

You are invited to participate in the World Climate Project:

COP 21 Climate Summit Simulation

Saturday, May 28, 10:00am-2:00pm

Eno River UU Fellowship

4907 Garrett Road, Durham, NC 27707

Space is limited. Register and RSVP as soon as possible!

Lunch will be provided ($5 suggested donation).

The World Climate Project simulation lets you participate in a thought-provoking, mock-UN event that simulates the United Nations climate talks held in Paris in December.  Though an agreement was reached what each country committed to must now be implemented and extended.  People everywhere must continue to engage in discussions and actions of leadership on climate change.  Through this simulation you will increase your awareness of the greatest challenge facing humanity and experience what it is like to negotiate a climate deal.

You and your team represent one of six negotiating groups: the United States, China, Russia, India, other developed nations, and other developing nations.  You will receive information briefs that will help you negotiate.  As you negotiate, you will be influenced by lobbyists and activists.  You will experience several rounds of negotiation; however, unlike in reality, where we wait year-by-year for what will happen to the climate, you will learn the results immediately.  The negotiated information will be fed into a climate change/global warming simulator using systems dynamic modeling developed at MIT.

The simulation concludes with a debrief, a guided discussion during which participants have an opportunity to share their reactions to and feelings about the process and resulting agreements.  What are the costs and barriers to implementation?  What are the potential benefits?  What are the flaws to the negotiating process itself?  How does one catalyze change?  What are your aspirations and commitments to action?

We’re looking for 25-30 people who are willing to spend 3-4 hours participating in this informative and engaging learning experience.