Keya Debnath is a second-year Master of Public Policy student at the Harris School of Public Policy (’25) at the University of Chicago. I am originally from Bangladesh, a country where flash floods, river erosion, and air pollution are persistent challenges. Having grown up in a climate refugee family, I feel a strong responsibility to advocate for a sustainable, livable world. Working with the Bangladesh government on rehabilitation programs for climate refugees and flood-impacted families opened my eyes to the urgent need for action. Witnessing these impacts firsthand has deepened my commitment to addressing climate change, making it an honor to engage with global initiatives like COP 29 and the UNFCCC.
“COP 29 was an incredible opportunity to merge my real-life experiences, academic knowledge, and perspectives on global climate challenges. Observing events where world leaders from nearly 200 countries came together under one umbrella to address the transition to net-zero and reduce carbon dioxide emissions was truly inspiring. Leaders, researchers, observers, and academics all contributed their unique perspectives at the negotiation tables, striving to tackle these pressing issues. Attending this event has enhanced my understanding of international collaboration and will help me connect the dots between research and real-life applications in climate sustainability.”