The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) takes place from November 11-22, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Jia Xiaoyou, a student from the School of Art and Design, Beijing Forestry University, was invited to participate as a Youth Climate Action Ambassador for the NGO "Earth Watch". Jia also delivered a keynote address at the Youth Climate Action Forum.

Frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers—these phenomena led Jia Xiaoyou to discuss the vital role of youth in advancing sustainable development and driving the green transition.

"Youth innovation and creativity have significantly supported low-carbon living and ecological progress, reflecting the Chinese government's success in raising ecological awareness among the public," Jia remarked. She urged university students to embrace green initiatives, contribute to climate change research, and encourage their peers to join the global effort to combat climate change and protect our shared home.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) dates back to May 1992, when the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted at UN Headquarters in New York. Its primary objectives include cutting greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the harmful effects of human activities on the climate system, slowing climate change, boosting ecosystems' resilience, and ensuring sustainable food production and economic growth. As the first global treaty to address carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions comprehensively and tackle the socio-economic challenges posed by global warming, the convention has garnered participation from over 190 countries.

This year's COP focused on enhancing ambition and driving action. A key outcome was the approval of provisions under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, which aim to establish a framework for a global carbon market, enabling international collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Written by Cui Ruxiu
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang