COP30 Delegate; Summer 2025 EF Campus Undergraduate Research Assistant
Will Vanman is an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago majoring in environment, geography, and urbanization (CEGU) and public policy. He is passionate about environmental policy, climate justice, and sustainable transportation. Vanman has an existing background in climate and sustainability advocacy, having been involved with Fridays for Future, and is currently involved with the Phoenix Sustainability Initiative and the Undergraduate Student Government’s Committee on Campus Sustainability.
Vanman attended COP30 in November 2025 as part of the Institute’s student delegation.
“COP30 was an eye-opening insight into the multifaceted state of international climate action. I was surprised to find out the reason why the UNFCCC can feel frustrating: watching the negotiations take place, all countries essentially have veto power under the consensus system to delay and derail. As a result, negotiations are slow, tedious, and watered down. But the UN process is just one part of COP; it was also a valuable opportunity to learn about advances across civil society, governments, and firms. While climate progress is woefully inadequate, the flames for change are being ignited by many inspiring people across the world. I hope to take this same flame back from Belém to UChicago and beyond.”
Vanman also worked as an Environmental Frontiers Campus Undergraduate Research Assistant in Summer 2025.
“This internship was my first real experience working with the climate space, and I really enjoyed it, especially the implementation process. It showed me that making progress on climate issues isn’t just about the science or the policy design, but also about the day-to-day work of coordinating people, adapting to obstacles, and keeping momentum. I found that process rewarding and motivating, and confirmed my interest in turning ambitious climate goals into practical outcomes.”