Alice Plane, a senior fellow in international and public affairs at the Watson Institute has been named the 2024 recipient of the Bates-Clapp Award, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to master’s students at Brown University.
With a focus on the intricate intersections between climate change, ecosystems and human societies, Plane brings a unique perspective on equity to her work. Before joining the Watson Institute, Plane served as the head of the climate unit within the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she played a pivotal role in coordinating international climate negotiations for France.
Her expertise and leadership have significantly contributed to shaping policy frameworks and initiatives aimed at mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. In addition, her extensive experience on the world stage, spanning various regions including France, Madagascar and Afghanistan, underscores her global perspective and unwavering commitment to addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Yet, it is Plane's impact on the lives of Brown's master's students that truly sets her apart.
As a mentor, educator and advocate, she consistently goes above and beyond to support and empower students in their academic, personal and professional pursuits. Through engaging discussions, copious and thoughtful feedback and insightful mentorship grounded in her own lived experiences, Plane has fostered a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that inspires students to excel and hone their leadership skills, empowering them to impact meaningful change in the present, and future.
Plane's advocacy for her students knows no bounds. She has tirelessly highlighted career workshops, conferences and funding opportunities, creating connections with high-level guest speakers, and ensuring that her students have access to the resources, support and inspiration they need to pursue their dreams. In particular, as the moderator of the keynote address at Harvard’s 2023 Climate Symposium, she secured all-expenses-paid tickets for her students to attend which led to invaluable networking and learning opportunities.
Additionally, one of Plane's most profound contributions has been the creation of the groundbreaking "Conference of All Life: Climate Negotiations in a More Than Human World." This first-of-its-kind summit brought together students, faculty, staff and alumni to reimagine climate negotiations through an immersive and experiential simulation. Participants were invited to “feel for” the entities they represented: States, as well as other unsuspected entities such as “coral reefs”, “diseases”, “Artificial intelligence” or even “livestock” - all together, they proposed their collective vision for a “treaty of all life” - a renewed governance format that would include other-than-humans into our consideration. Plane's vision and guidance were instrumental in mobilizing and mentoring a cross-disciplinary team of a dozen undergraduate and graduate students in organizing this monumental event.
In the words of her students, "Alice's dedication and passion have pushed us to grow at the highest level during our short time at Brown, exemplifying the transformative impact educators can have on their students."
Join us in congratulating Alice Plane on this well-deserved honor. Her impact will endure, not only within the lives of her students but also in the ripples of change they will make to leave this world a better place.