COP29 and the Grocery Store Philosopher:
After nearly two decades in environmental organizations, I’ve faced more than a few tough realities of this work—running out of funding, saying goodbye to amazing colleagues, and even struggling to pay my own rent.
But the moment that truly broke me? Standing in the grocery store, holding $4 local apples in one hand and $2 imported bananas in the other, and realizing my principles didn’t align with my paycheck.
This year, COP29 promises bold systemic change through its “Action Agenda.” But will it finally make sustainable choices accessible—or am I just bananas for believing it could?
I explore this systemic question more directly in Why Recognising Natural Capital Is Not Enough.
Either way, I’m still dreaming of that Nobel Prize for Peace Environmentalism and the luxury of an apple pie to celebrate. 🍌🍎