Crawford at COP29: meet scholar Kareketaake Uriam

Kareketaake Uriam is from the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati and is studying a Master of Climate Change at Crawford through an Australia Awards scholarship. Her home country has a population of 127,000 spread out over 3.5 million square kilometres on 32 low-lying islands and is extremely vulnerable to climate change.

Back home, Kare works as a project officer for Kiribati’s Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development. She was selected to attend the COP29 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan through ANU's Climate Alumni Leadership Program, which gives emerging First Nations and Pacific Islands leaders the opportunity to take part in UN Climate Change Conferences, a learning experience unique to ANU.

Here, she reflects on her journey to Baku and her expectations about attending COP29 as a Crawford Master of Climate Change scholar.

From your perspective as I-Kiribati, what are the most pressing climate challenges facing Kiribati today?

I believe sea level rise and water scarcity are the two key challenges that Kiribati faces due to its geographic and environmental vulnerabilities. It is well known that Kiribati’s low-lying atolls have an average elevation of just two meters above sea level, and this makes us extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise.

Kiribati relies heavily on shallow groundwater lenses for drinking water, which are increasingly contaminated by saltwater from rising seas and extreme weather events. This challenge is the most urgent we face, affecting our daily lives. Every day, we worry about the quality of our well water; as climate impacts worsen, the prospect of having drinkable water in the future becomes uncertain. While some people also get rainwater, it is far from reliable due to more frequent droughts, another effect of the rapidly heating climate.

What motivated you to pursue a Master of Climate Change degree at the Crawford School?

Growing up, I saw firsthand the impacts of climate change on my community. Sea level rise has severely affected my village, and this experience has fuelled my passion for environmental management and climate resilience and has also strengthened my determination to find solutions that will help make our communities more resilient to climate change.

This passion has inspired me to pursue a Master of Climate Change degree at the Crawford School. My previous work for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Kiribati’s Ministry of Environment has further motivated me to deepen my knowledge and understanding of climate change here at Crawford.

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

As a project officer responsible for writing proposals to secure funding for development and climate-related projects, I’ve observed that not a single climate project in Kiribati has been funded by the UNFCCC’s Adaptation Fund (AF). In 2018, we submitted a proposal that was ultimately rejected after a two-year review process by the AF. And to date, we have only one project funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This experience has left me questioning the effectiveness of our climate policies and negotiations. Climate funds are intended to help the most vulnerable countries address climate change and build resilience, as stated in Article 5 of the Paris Agreement. Yet, it doesn’t seem like this support is reaching all high-risk countries, including Kiribati. I'm particularly interested to see what COP29 will reveal about the future of climate finance.

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

I am mostly interested in climate change finance, loss and damage and adaptation, because they are important and relevant to me and my country. These topics resonate with me, as they provide me with deeper understanding of the immediate and severe impacts of climate change. As for someone who comes from a country that is highly vulnerable to these impacts, these topics drive my focus on our immediate needs, like adaptation strategies and financing for urgent climate action.

Moreover, my country and her people are experiencing irreversible losses due to climate change, and so the focus of loss and damage reflects the reality that not all climate impacts can be adapted to or mitigated. Hence, my keen interest in ensuring that high-emitting countries are held accountable and provide compensation for the irreversible damages we have incurred.

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

One of my main expectations for this COP is to gain insights into global climate commitments and progress. I look forward to seeing firsthand how countries report on their climate goals, share updates on their NDCs, and respond to the findings of the global stocktake. This is an opportunity to observe how these international commitments translate into real action—or where they fall short. I’m also anticipating discussions on stronger commitments to phasing out coal, oil, and gas, alongside a transition to renewable energy, with a focus on strengthening mitigation efforts. Overall, I hope to see bolder commitments and clearer actions emerge from COP29.

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

I am planning to attend sessions on loss and damage, climate finance and adaptation, as well as side events convened by our Pacific nations.

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

Firstly, I am eager to see progress on operationalising the loss and damage fund, including creating enhanced transparent processes for reporting on NDCs and as well as accessing funds to support rapid response to climate-induced disasters/ events.

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?

This experience will be transformative for both my academic and professional goals, offering unique insights and real-world exposure to international climate policy and negotiations, deepening my understanding of the policy dynamics. COP29 is exposing me to the complexities of climate negotiations, giving me firsthand experience with how countries reconcile their interests, navigate political tensions, and work within consensus-based framework. These can enhance my academic studies, providing me with nuanced perspectives which I can apply in coursework, research or any policy analysis work I will be undertaking. Engaging with diverse stakeholders at COP29 will sharpen my ability to advocate effectively for climate policies, especially in contexts that require diplomacy and cross-cultural sensitivity. Additionally, attending COP29 could also introduce me to emerging topics that might inspire specific research questions or focus areas for my courses next semester, particularly regarding the operationalization of the loss and damage fund and accessibility to climate finance mechanisms.

What message do you hope to convey to other nations about the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities?

Climate change is real! If we don’t take serious action now, the most vulnerable countries will continue to suffer severe consequences—more homes and lives will be affected.

🔗 Find out more about studying a Master of Climate Change at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy