Six Appalachian State University students and two faculty members have traveled to Antalya, Türkiye, to participate in the 31st Annual Conference of the Parties (COP31), gaining firsthand experience in global climate negotiations.
COP is the United Nations' primary decision-making body on climate change — a forum where representatives of member countries set global climate goals and actions.
App State has been an official observer at the annual conference since 2021. The university is included among the RINGO — Research and Independent Non-Governmental Organizations — recognized by the convention.
Students are selected for App State's UN Climate Negotiations program through a competitive process.
Student delegates
Among the participants are Walker College students studying sustainable business, international business, management, and sustainability analytics, highlighting the college's growing role in preparing students to address complex global challenges at the intersection of business, policy, technology, and sustainability.
- Summer Carrozza, BSBA Management (Sustainable Business)
- Asher Fazal, MS Applied Data Analytics (Sustainability Analytics)
- Sarah Johnson, BS Sustainable Technology
- Ella Lowman, BA Global Studies, BA French & Francophone Studies
- Aleisha Whipple, MA Geography & Planning
- Mckenna Porto, Marketing, International Business
Student voices from COP31
The delegation shares their thoughts on Instagram: instagram.com/appstatetocop.
COP32
Interested students should contact Dr. Dave McEvoy, mcevoydm@appstate.edu. Applications for the fall 2027 program, with travel to COP 32 to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will open in April 2027. Learn more at https://economics.appstate.edu/cop.
From left are App State student delegates to COP31: Summer Carrozza, Asher Fazal, Sarah Johnson, Ella Lowman, Aleisha Whipple, and Mckenna Porto
COP31 Student Delegates from App State