The winding streets of Marrakech’s walled medina are a little quieter this week. Most of the delegates, business leaders, activists and scientists who descended on Morocco’s “red city” to chart a course for climate action are on their way home.
An estimated 25,000 people attended the 22nd Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate in Marrakech, Morocco. While COP22 lacked a big, culminating moment such as the negotiation of the Paris agreement lent to Paris last year, this installment of the world’s largest annual gathering to coordinate a global response to the climate change challenge was not without its drama.
The surprise election of Donald Trump — who has called climate change a hoax — to the American presidency left room for uncertainty about the future of international cooperation to limit warming and support adaptation.
About the authors
Julie Espinosa
Julie Espinosa is the Associate Director of Creative at Devex. She leads a team of visual storytellers who work with reporters all over the globe to cover the topics of humanitarian aid, sustainable development and global health. Prior to joining Devex, Julie worked in documentary film production in Austin, Texas. She holds a master’s degree in communications and cultural studies from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s in visual arts from Harvard University.
Michael Igoe@AlterIgoe
Michael Igoe is a Senior Reporter with Devex, based in Washington, D.C. He covers U.S. foreign aid, global health, climate change, and development finance. Prior to joining Devex, Michael researched water management and climate change adaptation in post-Soviet Central Asia, where he also wrote for EurasiaNet. Michael earned his bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College, where he majored in Russian, and his master’s degree from the University of Montana, where he studied international conservation and development.