Overview
The 30th annual Conference of Parties (COP 30) is the UN’s annual conference on climate change, and is held this year in Brazil. The Conference of Parties is a forum for delegations from all over the world to discuss affairs related to climate change, the Paris Climate Accords, and the implementation of the UN’s sustainable development goals. The conference was created as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and throughout the years has produced documents such as the Kyoto protocol and the Paris Climate Accords through reaching a consensus from attending parties. This year, delegates hope to reach a new consensus on pressing climate change issues and promote further action to counteract climate change.
Topic 1: Biodiversity Loss
The first topic of this committee is loss of biodiversity due to climate change. Biodiversity loss is a key issue this year, as wildlife populations of flora and fauna are sharply declining, which creates negative feedback loops in the ecosystem further damaging the environment. These feedback loops can spiral out of control and contribute to larger climate issues, such as carbon emissions from forest fires, death of crucial ecosystems like coral reefs, and many more. Additionally, loss of biodiversity includes the threat to make endangered species, many of whom are particularly vulnerable because of other factors created by climate change. Finally, a loss of biodiversity can destroy food chains and manipulate migration patterns, which is especially threatening to the fishing industry and those who rely on it. Delegates will examine biodiversity loss as both a cause and effect of climate change, and attempt to mitigate its effects.
Topic 2: Reforestation
The second topic will be reforestation, particularly in the case of large rainforests. Deforestation is a constant threat as many of the world’s great rainforests are threatened by unsustainable logging practices, forest fires, or diseases. These rainforests are bountiful ecosystems that are home to hundreds of species, and also act as carbon sinks, meaning they must be protected at all cost. Additionally, reforestation is a hot topic, as scandal broke out in the months leading up to COP 30 when thousands of acres of Amazon rainforest was deforested to make way for a highway that would make the conference more accessible. The pressure is on for the conference to address global reforestation as rainforests are some of the most crucial environments against climate change. Delegates will be challenged to design policies and create protocols to protect global ecosystems in the age of climate change.
The Dais
Alexandra Hickman - Chair
Alexandra "Alex" Hickman (she/her) is a freshman at Boston University majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in International Relations. Originally from Moorestown, New Jersey, but a frequent visitor to Boston, she is excited to serve as the Chair for the COP 30 committee at BosMUN XXV.
Despite being a freshman, Alex has significant MUN experience, having participated since 8th grade, chaired three committees, and planned two high school conferences. She is passionate about climate change, a topic she has focused on since middle school, and looks forward to guiding delegates through the timely issues of biodiversity loss and deforestation.
Alex is an avid outdoors enthusiast who loves hiking, scuba diving, and skiing. She is also a photographer who often carries her digital camera to capture sunsets and animals. She enjoys Boston's food scene (recommending Flour and Shu Da Xiu Hotpot) and its landmarks (Boston Public Library and the Esplanade).
She encourages delegates to develop compelling, creative solutions for the modern world and invites questions or outreach.
Contact: alexhi21@bu.edu
Eva Adamkovych - Vice Chair
Evangelina "Eva" Adamkovych (she/her) is a first-year student at Boston University's Pardee School of Global Studies, majoring in International Relations. Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, she is honored to serve as a Vice Chair for BosMUN XXV.
Eva's experience as a refugee, having moved to the U.S. after the 2022 invasion, profoundly shaped her passion for global cooperation and human rights. She is involved in several BU clubs focused on diplomacy and advocacy. Although this is her first Model UN experience, she is excited to learn alongside inspiring people.
Outside of academics, Eva loves writing, design, and performing arts, often attending Broadway shows. She plays electric and acoustic guitar, and enjoys seeing new movies almost every weekend. She also works as a social media creator for a marketing company. On weekends, she can be found exploring Boston with friends.
Eva believes conferences like this are transformative, urging delegates to challenge themselves and remember that the best part of MUN is the friendships and insights gained along the way.
Contact: eva1603@bu.edu