FSU’s First Annual World Climate Simulation
posted by Jessahna Whitney | March 28, 2019 | In NewsOn the sunny Saturday morning of March 2, students of Methodist University, UNC Pembroke, and Fayetteville State University came together to participate in our university’s first-ever World Climate Simulation. The event was hosted by Fayetteville’s environmental nonprofit Sustainable Sandhills and co-hosted by our very own Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning and student Green Team. As an FSU student and Vice President of the Green Team, I was honored to represent our university at this event.
Much like Model UN, the World Climate Simulation is an academic activity that allows students to roleplay as global policymakers and learn about diplomacy and international relations. At this event, participants were assigned the roles of delegates from several countries and regions. Before beginning the negotiation activity, we were briefed on the world’s current dire climate situation and given some choices for how to improve it. We had a very specific goal to reach. For the sake of time and simplicity, our choices were limited to a small handful of major contributing factors: emission control, the prevention of deforestation, the effort of afforestation (planting trees to create forests), and our regions’ contribution to the global fund for mitigation and adaptation.
Then began the negotiating. Per round, we were given 20 minutes to work among ourselves and with the other regions’ delegates. After each round, representatives from each region addressed the room with their decisions regarding emissions, deforestation, afforestation, and financial contribution. Following, we proceeded to more rounds of negotiation. We met with regions with whom we had disagreements especially.
Even in this hypothetical situation, passionate conversation ignited. Several rounds passed, and we all finally reached our climate goal, albeit unrealistically. While we did share many laughs, we realized climate change is not a joke; serious measures must be taken to ensure a better future.
My favorite part of the event was its conclusion when participants were given the chance to speak on their experiences. It was so rewarding being in a room full of like-minded people who care about the future of our planet, and I cannot wait to see next year’s turnout.
As one participant wisely observed: “The time to address climate change is now.”
I believe events like the World Climate Simulation are essential in spreading this message.
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