Loyola Marymount University has been admitted as an observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, providing opportunities for students and faculty members to participate in discussions about global warming, greenhouse gases and other environmental issues.
“This designation puts LMU on the global map as an active participant in international climate change conversations,” said Roberta Espinoza, LMU vice provost for global-local initiatives. “It’s an ideal opportunity to connect our well-established academic programs and partners with our new transdisciplinary initiatives for students and faculty to maximize our impact on one of the most urgent global issues of our time.”
LMU’s designation as a UNFCCC non-governmental organization observer will allow the university to organize delegations of accredited students and faculty members to participate in the annual U.N. Conference of the Parties that rotates between member countries.
Delegation participants will have access to the official proceedings and related events that give students an opportunity to talk with climate experts, government officials and others.
LMU’s observer status designation, granted in December, follows an extensive application process that began 1½ years ago and coincides with new study abroad initiatives; LMU is developing a transdisciplinary study abroad course that includes attendance at the upcoming talks in Bonn, Germany, in June.
LMU is one of roughly 100 non-governmental organizations granted observer status at the December Conference of Parties. Observers consist of intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations that are not part of the UN system.
