McKenzie Ploen is an Executive Committee member with Surfrider Monterey County and had the privilege of attending the UNFCCC COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil as a part of the Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network.
Read on to learn what she expected, what surprised her, and what it was actually like to navigate the whirlwind of pavilion events, policy discussions, and the panel she co-hosted on ocean-climate solutions as a first-time delegate.
Back from COP30 in Belém - and I’m still processing what an intense and eye-opening week it was.
I arrived with very specific goals: follow progress on the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ), understand how countries are implementing Blue NDCs and 30x30, track shipping decarbonization efforts, and learn from global fisheries work. I left with all of that - but also a much broader understanding of the political, scientific, and human realities shaping ocean–climate action.
A few reflections:
🔹 Oceans are moving to the center of climate policy. Across Blue NDCs, the Ocean Breakthroughs, and repeated references to BBNJ, it was clear that the world is finally treating the ocean as essential to meeting climate goals, not an add-on.
🔹 The U.S. was not the main character - and that was telling. The conversation was mostly driven by the priorities and leadership of the Global South. The message was clear: the world is no longer waiting for the U.S. to lead - and in many ways, isn’t counting on it.
🔹 My role felt more “observer” than I expected. By the time I arrived, negotiations had closed to observers, which pushed me into pavilion events and side sessions. They were great, but I quickly recognized the value of a well-rounded COP experience - more space for engagement, fewer back-to-back sessions, and more time to actually talk to people.
🔹 My focus widened as the week went on. I came for ocean-specific policy, and stayed for conversations on just transition, cryosphere collapse, governance, youth inclusion, and the geopolitics behind climate commitments. It was a powerful reminder that ocean issues are inseparable from the broader climate system.
🔹 A highlight: co-hosting a panel with Emma Holm-Olsen. Our event on Innovation & Solutions in Ocean-Climate Policy brought together incredible youth leaders - Gabriela Fernandes, Genilson Brito, Helena Van Tichelen, Mark Haver, and Carlos Silva - who spoke honestly about meaningful inclusion, burnout, and how youth leadership can shape real policy. Hearing their stories was one of the most grounding moments of my week.
I’m heading back to MIIS with a deeper understanding of ocean-climate governance, a clearer sense of where I can make an impact, and a renewed commitment to the work ahead.