Author: Amelia Southern-Uribe | Major: Journalism ADPR | Semester: Fall 2024

Amelia Southern-Uribe is majoring in Advertising and Public relations/Political Science with a
minor in sustainability, focusing on climate change policy and domestic climate finance. My
research focuses on the intersection of domestic climate policy and effective climate
communication, with a particular emphasis on Arkansas’s role in the broader U.S. Climate action
landscape. At LCOY, I explored how state-level initiatives in Arkansas can contribute to and be
influenced by national climate goals, including the United States’ commitment to international
climate finance.

Amelia Southern-Uribe is majoring in Advertising and Public relations/Political Science with a minor in sustainability, focusing on climate change policy and domestic climate finance.

The moment I stepped off the plane in Arizona, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with a sense of
purpose. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the desert landscape, and I
knew I was about to embark on an unforgettable journey at the Local Conference of Youth
(LCOY) USA 2024. As one of the three delegates representing Arkansas, I had the incredible
opportunity in September to dive deep into critical domestic and international climate issues
while contributing to shaping youth-driven climate policy. For the past six years of my life, I’ve
dedicated my education and public service to tackling climate change. However, climate change
is an interconnected and complex global issue that requires intersectional solutions that are not
one size fits all. This past summer, I had the privilege to learn from Global South climate leaders
in Bonn, Germany at the United Nation’s SB60. While in Bonn, I had an eye-opening
conversation about climate finance and the United States’ role in providing financial support to
the Global South. I was shocked to discover that the US is falling significantly short of its fair
share contribution to the $100 billion climate finance goal. According to recent reports, the US
should be contributing nearly $40 billion but only gave an estimated $8 billion in 2020, leaving a
staggering $32 billion gap. This revelation highlighted the urgent need for increased US
commitment to international climate action.
Building on my experience in Bonn, I was thrilled to participate in the Local Conference of Youth
(LCOY) USA 2024, where I had the opportunity to contribute to shaping youth-driven climate
policy recommendations. The policy writing process at LCOY was an intensive and collaborative
effort, bringing together diverse perspectives from young climate advocates across the country.
My team, writing climate finance policy, focused on developing comprehensive
recommendations for international climate finance, recognizing its critical role in global climate
action. We engaged in rigorous discussions, debates, and research to craft policies that address
the urgent need for increased U.S. commitment to climate finance. One of our key
recommendations calls for the U.S. to significantly increase its climate finance contributions. We
propose that the U.S. should provide at least $446 billion per year to the Global South, including
$340 billion for adaptation and loss and damage. These Targets reflect our understanding of the
U.S.’s historical responsibility and the disproportionate climate impacts faced by developing
nations. Additionally, our recommendations include increasing the share of below-market-rate
financing and implementing debt-for-climate swaps to ease the burden on developing countries.
Recognizing the crucial role of marginalized communities in climate action, we developed
policies to ensure their inclusion in climate finance initiatives. We recommended allocating a
portion of climate funds specifically for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, as
well as incorporating provisions for youth and gender-responsive climate financing.
Our policy recommendations also address the controversial topic of carbon markets. We
proposed strict regulations for existing voluntary offset markets and called for careful
implementation of Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, ensuring that any carbon market
mechanisms prioritize real emissions reductions and protect the rights of Indigenous
populations. However, the highlight of my LCOY experience was presenting to fellow USA
delegates on the topic of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and its harm to US Southern communities.
Drawing from my research, I explained how LNG, despite being touted as a “bridge fuel,”
contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and can hinder the transition to truly
clean energy sources. As a delegate from Arkansas, I brought a unique Southern perspective to
these conversations, emphasizing the severe climate impacts already affecting our
communities. The many workshops and panel discussions provided invaluable insights into
reducing emissions, adaptation strategies, and funding mechanisms for climate action.
Perhaps most importantly, LCOY made me feel empowered to use my voice on a global
platform. We worked together to draft the National Youth Statement, a powerful document
outlining key policy recommendations for US climate action. This process underscored the
critical role of youth participation in shaping both national and global climate policies, especially
given our disproportionate stake in the future. Attending LCOY has refreshed my commitment
to climate advocacy. I’m excited to bring the knowledge and connections I’ve gained back to
Arkansas, where I plan to amplify youth voices in climate discussions and continue my climate
education work. This experience has shown me that youth have the power to influence policy
and drive the urgent action needed to address the climate crisis. As I look ahead to potentially
representing This is Zero Hour at COP29 in Azerbaijan, I’m filled with determination to continue
advocating for ambitious climate action.
If you are interested in attending conferences, I’d suggest to actively engage in every
opportunity presented—participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.
Prepare by researching the topics and issues that resonate with your local context, as this will
enable you to contribute meaningfully to conversations while talking from your lived
experiences. Don’t underestimate the power of your voice—advocating for local issues, such as
those affecting Arkansas, can help bridge the gap between state-level concerns and national
goals. Finally, take what you learn back to your community; whether through presentations,
workshops, or social media, sharing your experiences can inspire others to engage in climate
advocacy and contribute to meaningful change.