Department of Economics

UN Climate Negotiations Program

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Engaging Students in Climate Diplomacy

Students are selected into the UN Climate Negotiations course (ECO 4530/5530) and program through a competitive application process. The program is offered through the Walker College of Business and welcomes students from all disciplines. The course familiarizes students with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the annual Conference of the Parties (COP). Each fall, a delegation of students and faculty from App State travel to the COP and participate in the negotiations. 

Draft of Fall 2025 Syllabus

Application - Now Open for Fall 2025! (due April 1)

Participate in COP 30 in Belém, Brazil (November 2025)

Click HERE to apply

Belem

COP 29 Delegation

Xander Brown

Degree Program: MA in Political Science - Environmental Politics and Policy Analysis; MS in Applied Data Analytics

“Environmental policy creation combines public administration, sustainable development strategies, and data analysis to effectively address climate challenges while tackling the inequalities and social consequences they present. Every corner of the world has slightly different issues, solutions, and perspectives and I look forward to experiencing the diverse approaches at COP29 as the delegates look to find common ground to turn plans into policy.”

Policy Brief

Alessandra Griffa

Degree Program: BSBA in Finance and Banking

“Understanding the policies behind the actions being taken is the first step to making a difference. COP allows us the opportunity to understand how world leaders perceive issues affecting our environment as well as the methods they are using to help our future. I am eager to explore all the different variables involved in making an impact” 

Policy Brief

Grace Knapp

Degree Program: BA in Global Studies and double-minor in Spanish and Political Science

“With climate change now a pressing concern, it demands an adequate and thorough response. Expanding my knowledge and gaining a deep understanding of the international policies driving climate action are essential steps toward advancing global climate education. I aim to gain insights into how both the private and public sectors implement sustainable changes, and I am eager to see how this class will influence my perspective on collaborative sustainable-political action”

Policy Brief

Kennedi Ratcliffe

Degree Program: 

BA Economics and BS Political Science; Minor in German

“The intersection between economics and environmental policy is becoming more prominent as we work towards ensuring a sustainable world for future generations. Understanding how international leaders make decisions in regard to environmental issues is an important step to increasing international cooperation on these issues. I am interested in observing how COP addresses the creation and implementation of environmental policies that ultimately help support climate adaptation and a prosperous future for all.”

Policy Brief

Nick Roberto

Degree Program: MBA Interdisciplinary Business

“As we are all stakeholders in the global climate, it is important to understand the policies and institutional frameworks at hand. These act as the stepping stones on the path towards climate mitigation and adaptation. I am interested in the development of resilient energy infrastructure and adaptations in water, food, health, and ecosystems.”

Policy Brief

Nicole Tran

Degree Program: BS in Political Science - International & Comparative Politics; Minor in Leadership Studies

“As we work towards global climate solutions, it is crucial that the voices of marginalized and vulnerable communities are prioritized. I am interested in seeing COP address the integration of social equity into climate negotiations. Ensuring that climate policies are fair and inclusive will not only enhance their effectiveness, but also foster a sustainable future for all.”

Policy Brief

Sarah Widderich

Degree Program: MA in Political Science- Environmental Politics and Policy Analysis

COP provides a unique environment in which a large majority of the important actors in environmental policy and decision making are in one place. This large range of global perspectives and differing opinions will allow me to see firsthand the detailed negotiations that must take place in order to pass climate targets. I am interested to see how these international agreements will affect the decision making of national and local leaders. 

Policy Brief

Faculty

Meredith Pipes

Global and Civic Engagement Specialist

Meredith Pipes is the Global and Civic Engagement Specialist for the Walker College of Business. In this role, she promotes international opportunities, supports diversity initiatives and serves as a sustainability champion for the college. Her experiences abroad have profoundly shaped her understanding of the world and she loves seeing students broaden their perspectives through interactions with new ideas, new places and people different from themselves. Meredith earned a Master's degree in Latin America Studies from the University of Kansas.

WEBSITE | LinkedIn

Dr. Dave McEvoy

Professor and Chair,  Economics

Dr. McEvoy serves at the Organization Head for App State's involvement in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. His research is focused on the design and effectiveness of international environmental agreements. Dr. McEvoy has graduate degrees in environmental economics from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and the University College London. 

WEBSITE | Twitter | LinkedIn

Past Delegations

Get Involved

Email mcevoydm@appstate.edu.

In the Press

6 App State students observe world climate policymaking at UN climate conference
6 App State students observe world climate policymaking at UN climate conference
Jan. 23, 2023

An Appalachian State University delegation of students and campus leaders returned from the recent United Nations climate change conference in Egypt with a shared sense of hope and purpose, an eye-opening firsthand look at international policymaking — and a job offer.

The trip to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the 27th Annual Conference of Parties (COP27) in November marked the second consecutive year that App State was represented at the event, which is held by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The 12-day conference drew over 40,000 delegates representing 198 countries engaged in the global response to climate change.

Read the story.