My name is Jesenia Parthasarathy, and I’m a junior at the University of Chicago studying Data Science and Political Science. Before applying to attend COP29, I knew the bare minimum of Azerbaijan’s geopolitical importance and lacked a deeper understanding of the region’s nuance. As a result, I benefited greatly from meeting the United States Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mark W. Libby, and debriefing the historical context of the region and Azerbaijan’s bid for hosting COP29. Through such talks with diplomats and scholars, I explored various solutions to climate change—from nature-based strategies like constructed wetlands to reforming subsidy stipulations. Within this vast network of solutions, my primary interest has centered on leveraging technological advancements.
I was particularly drawn to a panel discussion on data storage needs for corporate operations. Data is growing exponentially—currently, approximately 200 zettabytes (ZB) need storage, and by 2050, this is expected to balloon to 500,000 ZB. The energy demands of such storage are staggering: storing today’s 200 ZB could require the output of 10 nuclear reactors, while meeting the 2050 demand would necessitate 120 reactors. Considering the Earth has only 440 nuclear reactors in operation today, this presents an unsustainable trajectory. Innovations from companies like Pure Storage are promising. They have increased the density of data storage devices, amplifying capacity tenfold and reducing e-waste by 300 times. Yet, I found myself questioning the scalability of such efforts. In conversations with industry representatives, I learned the importance of large-scale adoption. For instance, Meta’s transition to Pure Storage devices across 40 million square feet of global data centers exemplifies the potential for widespread impact. Panels on trade further highlighted that climate financing must be structured to make green initiatives profitable, ensuring their adoption.
Our delegation had the opportunity to speak with Riaz Hamidullah, a Bangladeshi diplomat, who summarized the broader challenge succinctly: “We focus on sensationalized technology. The thing is, Bangladesh doesn’t need life-enriching technology—we need life-saving technology.” Hamidullah was referring to critical life-saving solutions like sanitation and irrigation technology. However, his sentiment resonated deeply with me, in that it reflected a critical distinction between pursuits like inflated generative AI and essential innovations such as energy-efficient storage solutions.
Holistically, this experience reshaped my approach to climate change solutions. There is often a tendency to gravitate toward hyped technologies rather than practical, impactful ones. Jeanene Mitchell, a Deloitte professional specializing in global water management, highlighted that implementing green solutions is not solely a technical challenge but also a social one. The adoption of seemingly inelegant technologies, coupled with the struggle to overcome the desire for immediate benefits, makes it significantly harder to implement these less glamorous solutions. Regulators must broaden their understanding of the diverse range of technological options available, while engineers must actively advocate for and promote these diverse possibilities.
Looking ahead, I hope to align my career with these insights. Whether working with public institutions or private enterprises, my goal is to prioritize technologies and policies that deliver tangible, scalable benefits to combat climate change. These discussions underscored the importance of integrating technical innovation with social responsibility to ensure meaningful progress.
My time at COP29 has been transformative, and I hope to return as a key-contributor in the Blue Zone.