# Application for Fellowship (second round) ([Adopt a Negotiator](https://web.archive.org/web/20140626155501/http://adoptanegotiator.org/))

Have you ever writen regularly for a media organisation, NGO, company etc
Please tell us who, and what you wrote (100 words or less)

I previously worked for a small Australian NGO that acted as a hub for environmental activists. I ran a campaign focussed on renewable energy and energy policy and wrote a range of submissions, working papers, press releases and media articles. I have also written for The Conversation, published a range of peer-reviewed papers, and maintain a regular blog.

Have you ever published an article about climate change, politics or the environment? http://lawpublications.barry.edu/ejejj/vol3/iss1/2/

What online news sources do you like to read often? *
Tell us about your favourite blog / news source / magazine. (100 words or less)

I am an avid newsreader. I like the BBC as it often provides helpful background information and analysis, news in context. I read The Conversation as I appreciate its efforts to make academic research more accessible/relevant. I read Huffington Post and Slate, which I enjoy as it questions mainstream sources/adopts alternative viewpoints. I read Le Monde (France), El Pais (Spain) and Tempo (Indonesia) to advance my language skills and get a different perspective.

What is the best way to use media to influence policy in your country? *
What do you see working? If you have any personal experience, please share it below. (200 words or less)

The media landscape in the UK, as elsewhere, is rapidly evolving. It is not yet clear what the outcome of this evolution will be. I believe that during this transitional period it is necessary to utilise traditional media, such as newspapers and radio, while also using social media to promote your message and mobilise support.

The UK Government specifically recommended using social media platforms to engage the public in policymaking (‘Public engagement in policy making’ inquiry/report), showing the growing importance of social media and the potential for influencing policy. Combined with other resources (e.g. TheyWorkForYou and online petition sites) social media can be a great way to engage directly in the policymaking process, address representatives and influence outcomes. Social Media
We believe Social Media is important, so if you are active online, now is your chance to tell us Which online social media tools and networks do you use? *
Please share links to your social pages: facebook, twitter, instagram, linkedin, etc.

Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/glen.w.wright
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=[REDACTED PHONE]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glen.w.wright
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/[REDACTED PHONE]@N04/
Blog: http://www.glenwright.net

Have any of your social media posts gone viral?
Sadly, not yet (but they will!)

### Climate Change

The Adopt a Negotiator team does a lot of its work in and around the UN climate negotiations, so if you have any experience, now is the time to tell us. This is the meatiest section of the application... take a deep breath... get ready to impress us with your experience and knowledge and understanding. *This is the age of Twitter and texts - we encourage you to follow the old writing adage, 'less is more'

Have you attended the UN climate negotiations in the past? *
I attended Rio+20 with an independently organised delegation from the Australian National University (http://anurio20.blogspot.fr/). In June I will attend the BBNJ Working Group Meeting at the UN headquarters in New York (not quite as glamorous as UNFCCC negotiations, but important nonetheless!). I am involved in organising a side event.

What roles does your country play in the UNFCCC? *
We'd like to learn more about your understanding of the roles your country plays in the climate fight internationally. Does it negotiate as part of a bloc? Is it a leader? a spoiler? complicated? (100 words or less)

The UK is part of the EU, a leader in the UNFCCC. The EU: endorses the 2° limit; has a -20%/2020 emissions target; and supports a post-2020 agreement. EU leadership has faltered during the economic crisis, e.g. weakened renewables targets.

The UK advocates a stronger -30% emissions target. PM ████ Cameron heads the “greenest government ever”, investing financial and diplomatic resources into advancing climate action through the UNFCCC. The UK also engages the G8 and G20.

Do you have other relevant experience with international or environmental negotiations? *

Presented at a number of conferences, as well as attending Rio+20. Peer-reviewed papers on: climate mitigation/policy; REDD+; IRENA. Courses: International Climate Law; Climate Change Law & Policy; Environmental Markets: Renewable Energy Law; and various specialist environmental law courses.

Tell us what national solutions to climate change you think are most important right now. * Is your country working on a climate mitigation or adaptation plan? Removing fossil fuel subsidies? Clean energy access? Let us know what actions your country most needs to take. (200 words or less)

The UK already has a Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act (2006), promoting microgeneration, and the Climate Change Act (2008), setting an -80%/2050 emissions target. The Government has produced a Risk Assessment and Adaptation Programme, and implemented a range of climate measures.

The UK needs to augment and maintain clean energy support as fossil fuels still dominate the energy mix. The UK needs to move from planning to action regarding adaptation: recent extreme weather events brought this into sharp relief (drought in early 2012, followed by flooding in winter 2012).

What are the climate-related issues that connect with people in your country? * Tell us about what people are concerned about in your country? Is it health? Food security? Conservation? perhaps something else? What issues pique public interest. (200 words or less)

High energy prices and reliance on imports has made renewables a hot topic. Recent extreme weather events have people talking about adaptation, as the impacts of climate change are increasingly real.

The economic crisis, unemployment and cost of living remain major concerns. This provides an opportunity, not yet fully utilised, to connect climate with economic issues, e.g. through discussion of the ‘Green Economy’.

Are you involved in the climate movement in your country? *
Having recently moved, I have not yet re-established my involvement. I was previously part of the UK climate movement, organising a university climate conference, participating in Climate Camp and Climate March events, as well as many local actions. In Australia I was heavily involved in lobbying for improved energy policy.

Why do you care about climate change? *
I care about climate change because I think it is the single greatest challenge of our time. While I know the planet will live on regardless, I am concerned for the future of humankind/human societies.

Tell us a little about your interest in climate change. Be honest, and if possible, be original. (100 words or less)

What is the most important change you can make? *
Right now the climate movement is growing around the world, but there's a significant gap between our efforts the action needed to address the climate challenge. What do you think is the most important change that you can make to close that gap in your country? (250 words or less)

In the UK I think the key is linking climate challenges with popular issues by showing how climate also impacts health, jobs, agriculture etc. This requires informing yourself and others. Internationally I think we need to continue to build a global movement that will hold international negotiations accountable and monitor progress.

For me personally it is important to develop a career that advances climate/environmental goals, while also participating in grassroots activism, including direct action, wherever possible.

Work
Being a Fellow is hard work. So we need to know if you're ready for it
Have you ever worked in a team *
Tell us about one experience where you worked well in a team to overcome a challenge. (200 words or less)

I worked with a small team to organise a student delegation to the Rio+20 conference. The biggest challenge to overcome was arranging funding, as the university was initially reluctant. We arranged accreditation through an Australian NGO, sought funding from a local government youth fund, organised a series of pre- and post-conference lectures, and used the conference to meet and collaborate with other universities on campus sustainability. Seeing the level of organisation and professionalism, the university ultimately fully supported the delegation.

Have you ever worked independantly *
Tell us about one experience where you worked well independantly to get a job done. (100 words or less)

The PhD process is a very solitary one! I have been proactive and highly motivated during my PhD, conducting primary research, regularly publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and getting involved in the ‘real world’ applications of my research. As a result, I have become an expert in my field and have developed a strong reputation for academic excellence.

### Creativity

To communicate climate change...we need to get creative sometimes. So we need to know you can be creative too

What can you bring to the team, that no-one else can? *
What is your best skill that is totally unique, but can really help us communicate the importance of climate change to the world (100 words or less)

I can also solve a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute!

But really, I think my skill is my ability to take in a lot of information, from many different sources or perspectives, and turn into something understandable and meaningful. This can mean quickly writing an accessible article on a complex issue, or bringing people from opposing viewpoint to the table and finding workable solutions.

Are you creative? *
Tell us about one creative moment in your life where you made something, or made something happen. (100 words or less)

I grew up on Folk music, and maintained a passion for it later in life.  Folk music began something of a revival in the UK, with lots of sessions and open mic nights popping up. Realising that there was no website providing details of these events, I taught myself web design/programming and created the Folk Directory. I subsequently received Arts Council funding to develop the idea and the site is now the largest and most up-to-date source of information on UK folk music.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring? *
Tell us what you would bring, and why? (200 words or less)

Seeds – hopefully there will be a patch of fertile soil in which to grow some veggies.

A Swiss Army Knife – multipurpose, for hunting, carving, etc.

Guitar – a creative outlet that won’t run out of batteries!

### Write a better headline! *

Have a look at this news story on camels (http://www.climatenewsnetwork.net/2014/04/camels-are-frugal-methane-emitters/). We don't like the title. Do you think you can come up with a better one? Write a new headline for the story here

Don’t get the hump! Humans, not camels, responsible for climate change