COP 29: Next climate leaders in Northern Ireland urge action

As an artist and educator, Polly Garnett, 28, believes conversations on a global scale are important, but she is already a little disappointed by COP29.

“It’s disheartening to see that there isn’t really fair representation of women in any kind of leadership positions,” she said.

“It is exciting that a coalition being set up this year for women in leadership and climate, but still disappointing in some ways.

“It’s important to have a look on a more local scale.

“So as much as COP29 has its place, grassroots activism and local initiatives really are where it’s most important to have our focus.

“I am optimistic.”

All three young leaders are involved in the RE[act] festival, external, which is Belfast’s response to COP29 with its themes of People, Place and Planet.

“There are a lot of sustainability initiatives happening in Northern Ireland,” said Lawrence Geoffrey Tingson, sustainability manager with the festival organiser Linen Quarter Business Improvement District.

“While negotiations are happening in Azerbaijan about climate action, we’ll be here in our city celebrating great initiatives for a resilient Belfast.”