Politics and international relations students at Liverpool Hope University recently participated in the prestigious British International Association Studies (BISA) Climate Negotiations Model.
Lottie Keighley, Charlie Elliott, Oliver Reeves and Liberty Joul took part in the annual flagship event, which reproduces the negotiations held under the auspices of the United Nations COP meetings.
Liverpool Hope was one of 21 UK universities in attendance at Goodenough College London on Friday 1 of December 2023.
The simulation, which provides a unique active learning experience, tasked students with representing the states that have signed up to current international agreements on climate change, such as the Paris Agreement of 2015 and the Glasgow Climate Impact of 2021.
Hope’s students represented Vietnam and Israel and were required to agree refinements to these agreements – looking at reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the raising of climate transition finance, and agreement on a statement of principles.
The simulation was overseen by Mark Webber, Professor of International Politics at the University of Birmingham and former BISA President and included an introductory talk from Sam Avis, Director of Energy and Environment at Public First – a public policy research firm – and the author of the climate and energy newsletter Election Energy.
This is the second BISA event Liverpool Hope students have attended this year, with three fellow politics and international relations students winning the Outstanding Delegation at the Nato simulation held at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in March.
The latest event offered students a taste of what it is like to participate in international bargaining and negotiation while also raising their awareness of the politics of climate change and enhancing their learning experience.
“This was a great experience for the students in a context also marked by current COP negotiations being held,” said Dr Catalina Montoya Londono, Associate Professor in International Relations.
“The Climate Negotiations Model provided a unique opportunity to learn about COP through a simulated crisis scenario, but also to apply key transferable and academic skills in politics and international relations.
“It was an extremely valuable experience which enhanced the students' confidence and interest in their learning journey as well as their curiosity and willingness to take part in future challenges and progress their careers.”