Duke University’s U.N. Climate Change Negotiations Practicum is a hands-on course that explores international climate change negotiations and climate policy under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues at the heart of global climate change — from adaptation and mitigation to the political dynamics of the UNFCCC negotiations process. Students engage in independent coursework, classroom discussions, and guest lectures throughout the semester, all in preparation for the annual U.N. climate change negotiations: the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP). See the 2024 Syllabus.
In the past, students have had the opportunity to attend COP. We will seek to travel to COP30 in Belém, Brazil in 2025. Please note that the opportunity for course travel is subject to change based on Duke’s international travel policies and the availability of funding.
April 25: Practicum Information Session
Students interested in taking the practicum course in fall 2025 should register for a Zoom information session on Friday, April 25 at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. ET and join the Nicholas Institute email list for further updates.
The Fall 2025 Practicum
The UNFCCC Practicum (ENVIRON 592/PUBPOL 592) will be offered during the Fall 2025 Semester. Participation is open to graduate and upper-level undergraduate students at Duke University for 3 units and 1 unit, respectively. The instructor for the course is Dr. Jackson Ewing.
For questions, please contact Gabriela Nagle Alverio (gen4@duke.edu) and Colleen Nieto (colleen.nieto@duke.edu).
Course Archives
View a photo essay about the Duke experience at COP 29 in 2024. You can also take a look at archived student profiles and archived blog posts from previous delegations.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Application Process
How can I be a part of the class?
In summer 2025, applications will open for Fall 2025. Decisions will be released in mid-August, and students admitted into the course will be provided a permission number to enroll.
What do you look for in the application?
Students should demonstrate how this course will support the achievement of their career goals and how they will be able to contribute to class discussions. Students should also indicate their specific interests related to COP participation.
No letters of recommendation or interviews are necessary.
How many students are selected for the course?
Up to 16 students may be admitted into the course.
Students
What kind of student is the course best suited for?
This course is for any Duke graduate or upper-level undergraduate student interested in international climate change negotiations.
What prior knowledge/experience in UN climate policy should I have?
While students should demonstrate an interest in international climate policy and a connection to their career goals, no specific level of knowledge is necessary to do well in the course. Students of all levels, backgrounds, and schools are encouraged to apply.
Course Structure
What are the course goals and content?
The course provides students with an understanding of the history of the international climate change negotiations, the ability to analyze key policy issues and the positions of major parties, and hands-on experience with clients involved in the negotiations. The course covers the context of the negotiations and key negotiation topics, along with providing students the opportunity to investigate their own areas of interest.
What is the class format?
The class meets once a week for 90 minutes. Meetings will involve a mix of lectures, discussions, and interactive exercises. Outside of class time, students will be expected to complete readings and assignments (e.g., developing a policy memo).
What is the client project?
Students are encouraged to connect with organizations of interest attending COP and collaborate with them on a project. Tasks may range from tracking COP negotiations to conducting policy research or supporting event logistics.
Attending COP
Is attending COP guaranteed for students in the course?
No. Attending COP is dependent upon the course acquiring sufficient COP badges and funding, and being granted travel approval from Duke.
Are there fees/costs associated with the course?
This course receives grant funding which is typically sufficient to cover flights, accommodations and a daily stipend for students.
Will students be required to sign any form?
Yes. Admitted students will be asked to sign the necessary forms, waivers, and approvals issued by the Duke Global Administrative and Travel Support office for COP travel.
What are the travel logistics for attending COP?
Students are responsible for requesting permission to attend COP from their other professors and coordinating how to make up work missed while at COP. Students are also responsible for acquiring visas, though logistical support is available.
While COP is two weeks long, students will be divided into two groups that will each attend one week – should sufficient COP badges and funding be provided.
What should I do if I have more questions?
If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to:
- Gabriela Nagle Alverio – gabriela.nagle@duke.edu
- Colleen Nieto – colleen.nieto@duke.edu