Crawford at COP29: meet scholar Dionne Olsen

Having lived in New Zealand, Canada and now Australia, it’s difficult for Dionne Olsen to provide a straight answer about where she is from, but living in countries with abundant natural resources was definitely influential.

Well into a successful consulting career in strategic planning and project management in the natural resources sector, Dionne is also working on a Master of Environmental Management and Development at the Crawford School.

She was selected to attend COP29 United National Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan through ANU’s Climate Alumni Leadership Program.

Here, she reflects on her career journey and her expectations about attending COP29 as a Crawford school scholar.

From your perspective, what are the most pressing climate challenges facing your country today?

The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Australia, like many countries, is having a significant impact on our ecosystems and natural resources. In addition to biodiversity loss, and impacts to our communities, wildfires are significant contributors of carbon-dioxide emissions, accounting for 25% of the total emissions in 2021. We need to include a diversity of knowledge systems into how we can more effectively and sustainably manage our landscape.

What motivated you to pursue a Master of Environmental Management and Development degree at the Crawford School?

My career in Canada and Australia has always been focused on the strategic and sustainable use of our natural resources, particularly in regional and rural areas. However, the political decision-making occurring distally without regard for potentially impacted communities and pragmatic acknowledgment of sovereign resource reliance is becoming more pronounced as climate change impacts increase.

I am very interested in how as a sector we can contribute to policies that meet national and global net zero targets in a political environment that seems more focussed on grandstanding for votes rather than creating a strategic vision for Australia that supports a just transition and does not simply rely upon offshoring production of the consumables that we rely upon each day.

How has your previous experience shaped your perspective on climate policy and negotiations?

For the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to lead the development and implementation of a forestry standard and certification scheme for Australia for active forest operations. It has been an incredible collaboration of the entire forestry value chain, including other forestry certifications and state governments.

What topic area of your studies are you most interested in and why?

How policy development is influenced and itself influences decision-making that drives natural resource decisions and investments is of most interest to me, particularly in relation to forestry and the political contestation regarding native forestry and plantations.

As a first-time United Nations Climate Change Conference attendee, what expectations or anticipations do you have about the UNFCCC Climate negotiations?

I am very interested in seeing the work that has been accomplished throughout the year by working groups, particularly for Loss and Damage and Enhanced Transparency Reporting.

Are there specific topics, events or sessions that you are particularly passionate about and hope to attend at COP29?

I am primarily interested in maximising the opportunity to be in the negotiation rooms to see firsthand how the agreements and protocols that are central to governance of natural resources are negotiated.

Given the key takeaways from COP28 in Dubai, what changes or improvements do you anticipate at COP29, particularly in terms of ambition, participation, and the integration of climate action into broader socio-economic frameworks?

There was new funding for loss and damage pledged during COP28 in Dubai, and this is integral for the ongoing mitigation and adaptation needs, particularly in the Pacific. I look forward to understanding whether these funds have been received and provided to support climate action and hopefully to see additional pledges.

In what ways do you believe your experience at COP29 will influence your future academic or professional pursuits? What are your aspirations for your career in climate policy after your studies?

I am very interested in understanding how other countries are developing transformative pathways, that include just transitions and are working to embed this thinking within their policy development. I am already implementing my Crawford learnings in my ongoing work in the forest sector, and I am looking forward to COP29 providing some insight into how to leverage the positive contributions this renewable sector contributes nationally and globally toward mitigating climate impacts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

My appreciation to staff at ANU and previous climate alumni for the work, organisation and ongoing commitment that goes into offering such an incredible opportunity for students and to the Pacific nations that make it all possible by allowing us to be part of their national contingent.

🔗 Find out more about studying a Master of Environmental Management and Development degree at the Crawford School of Public Policy