| by David Helvarg in the the Hill
While not having an official ocean policy within its first 100 days, the Biden administration’s approach to managing our public seas looks destined to be of historical significance.
Middlebury cohort participates in global climate solutions at COP30 in Brazil
Meet the delegates from Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network joining the international climate conference in Belém, Brazil November 10-21, 2025!
They are joining world leaders, scientists, policymakers, industry representatives and delegates from around the globe who will be gathering in the Amazon city of Belém at the 30th United Nations (UN) Conference of the Parties, or COP30. What is the goal of COP? To negotiate national responses to climate change on a global level. COP30, the 30th conference, aims to accelerate the implementation with a focus on finance pledges and equitable engagement. This is the first time the COP has been held in Brazil.
In all, 5 representatives from Middlebury will travel to Belém, including 4 current graduate students and one recent alumnus. Each has prepared with intention. As representatives of the Middlebury observer delegation at COP30, they will lead panel discussions around climate finance and the role of higher education in climate policy. They will also be volunteering for the Ocean Pavilion and the youth and indigenous delegations. Travel to COP30 for the delegation is generously supported by Middlebury’s Ron and Jessica Liebowitz Fund for Innovation, Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation, and the Center for Blue Economy.
Importantly, the delegation will also be updating the broader with live sessions, , and answering questions from the network. This professional network of students, staff, faculty and alumni across Middlebury College, Schools, and the Institute has been an incredible opportunity to connect a community with shared interests. The network was initiated in 2025 with generous support from Middlebury’s Ron and Jessica Liebowitz Fund for Innovation.
Want to Learn more? Join us Friday!
LIVE from COP30 with the MIIS Delegation
Friday, Nov. 14th, 10AM to 11:15AM PT
via Zoom and live from the Center for the Blue Economy
Description: COP30 is underway. It is the 30th year. Is it working? In this session, we will explore questions around what climate leadership looks like on the international stage. We will hear from current Middlebury Institute students who are at COP30 on what they are experiencing. Are you interested in ways you can become more engaged? Join this conversation and learn about the recent launch of the Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network.
Facilitated by: Angela Izi
Join via
This session is part of the Fall Forum:
What Works Now? Middlebury Fall Climate Forum
November 14-16, 2025 (event schedule)
Breakout: Leadership Past, Present, and Future: International Agreements and Policy
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The COP Network brings together Middlebury College and MIIS students, alumni, faculty, and staff who share a common interest in international climate policy. The primary goal of this network is to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster deeper understanding of global climate negotiations through direct engagement with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).
The network aims to demystify the COP process by creating an experiential learning opportunity for participants, and sharing their knowledge with the broader network community. A key component of this initiative is to support the participation of at least two students and one alum to attend COP30 through the Middlebury observer delegation status. These participants will gain firsthand insight into the complexities and dynamics of international climate negotiations. The network also organizes virtual events before and after COP to share knowledge, insights, and ideas.
To join the group, any Middlebury student„ alumni, faculty, or staff from the College, Institute or any of the Schools can sign up though this . The group is coordinated through periodic emails to share events and a group to share ideas, opportunities, and make professional connections.
Using Virtual Reality in Sea Level Rise Planning and Community Engagement
| by City of Santa Cruz and and Virtual Reality Study Authors
As coastal communities around the globe contend with the impacts of climate change including coastal hazards such as sea level rise and more frequent coastal storms, educating stakeholders and the general public has become essential in order to adapt to and mitigate these risks.
Ocean Climate Action Capitol Hill Lobby Day 2021
On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in one of the largest and certainly most timely Ocean lobbies in U.S. history, over 1000 people were mobilized from more than 30 states and territories. Meetings were held with 107+ Members of the House of Representatives and their staff, and 33+ Senators and staff. Over 150 virtual meetings took place on this Ocean Climate Action Lobby Day! The coalition (many of whose members had never visited with their elected representatives before) sent a clear message to our national policymakers: you cannot solve the climate crisis without ocean health, and ocean health is key to solving the climate crisis.
| by Our Daily Planet
Join the Virtual Capitol Hill Lobby Day for Ocean Climate Action on April 14
| by Stephen Diehl
The Center for the Blue Economy (CBE) invites all Middlebury students, staff, alumni, and friends to join a virtual lobbying effort for ocean climate action on Wednesday, April 14, via Zoom.
Celebrating a Decade of Advocating for the Blue Economy
| by Eva Gudbergsdottir
As it celebrates its first decade, the Middlebury Institute’s Center for the Blue Economy is perfectly poised to contribute to climate forward policies for the rebuilding of post-pandemic economies.
Options for Sea Level Rise Adaptation on West Cliff Drive
| by Rachel Christopherson & Report Authors
West Cliff Drive, like all of the California coastline, is threatened by continuing erosion. Erosion is expected to significantly increase as sea levels rise and storms intensify. One challenge to adaptation planning is the uncertainty associated with the rate and elevation of sea level rise at future points of time, critical to the question of what to do and when. What to spend on what strategy for the best return on investment? A recent report published by the Center for the Blue Economy and partners has some answers.