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When nearly 200 nations gathered in November to discuss the planet’s future, two Cedarville University students joined the conversation as voices of faith. 

From Nov. 10-21, world leaders, United Nations representatives, scientists and members of civil society convened in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th annual Conference of the Parties (COP30), a global climate summit organized under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

Among this year’s attendees were two Cedarville students: Connor Cavey, a senior student from Pine Plains, New York, and Madeline “Kit” Lason, a senior student with a zoology emphasis from Gilbert, Arizona. Both students were selected to attend COP30 through the Christian Climate Observers Program, founded in 2015 to equip Christian professionals to integrate faith with environmental engagement on a global stage. 

They join a growing number of faith-based organizations worldwide engaging in sustainability and climate action. 

COP30 Highlights Urgent Global Environmental Challenges 

The conference brings together nations committed to the 2015 Paris Agreement, a global accord to combat climate change, promote sustainability and support developing nations in their environmental efforts. This year’s host city, Belém, sits in the Amazon region — one of the world’s most important ecosystems for climate regulation. The conference’s location underscores the urgency of environmental challenges and highlights what’s at stake for future generations. 

With nearly every country represented, COP30 is one of the most comprehensive international gatherings in existence — rivaled only by the Olympic Games in global reach. 

Students Bring Faith-Based Perspective to Climate Talks 

As observers, Cavey and Lason received official UNFCCC credentials granting them access to nation pavilions, non-governmental organization exhibits and negotiation rooms where world leaders debate and shape international climate policy. 

Dr. Mark Gathany, professor of biology at Cedarville University, attended COP28 in Dubai with CCOP and encouraged both students to apply.  

“It’s an important global conversation, and I’m proud our students represent a faith-based voice that is often missing from these discussions,” said Gathany. “At Cedarville, we train students to combine scientific understanding with spiritual conviction — preparing them to engage authentically in global spaces where both matter.” 

Cavey emphasized the biblical foundation behind his environmental commitment. “God calls us to be stewards of his creation,” he said. “This conference is one step toward restoring what has already been damaged and learning how people of faith can contribute meaningfully to that process.” 

Inspiring Change Through Stewardship 

While both students are passionate about environmental science and global policy, they recognize that real change begins at the individual level.  

“Caring for the environment isn’t only the responsibility of governments or corporations,” Lason added. “It starts with each person making small, consistent choices that grow into a collective movement.” 

Cavey and Lason plan to share their experiences with the Cedarville community through campus presentations and classroom discussions, encouraging other students to see how faith and science intersect in addressing global challenges. 

Through their participation, they hope to contribute to a global conversation about sustainability and inspire others to take part in shaping a more hopeful, resilient future. 

About Cedarville University 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers and  residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at .