In commemoration of World Climate Change Day, the University of Bedfordshire Centre for Sustainable Development, Energy Transitions, and Climate Change is pleased to implement its Climate Sustainability Awareness Month Campaign under the theme "Green is the New Gold." This action-oriented initiative aims to advance the understanding of the intersections between law, climate change, and sustainability, while fostering proactive engagement from students, academics, and the broader community. With a proven track record of success and leveraging on the University’s first position recognition in the 2024/2025 People and Planet University Green League, the campaign is designed to be a transformative educational and advocacy program that inspires lasting environmental and social impact.

Objectives and Significance of the Campaign

The Climate Sustainability Awareness Month Campaign is designed to:

1. Raise awareness of the climate crisis and inspire individual and collective action.
2. Advance the integration of legal frameworks into climate advocacy and sustainability education.
3. Strengthen the role of the law school in addressing climate change through interdisciplinary collaboration.
4. Empower students and staff to become climate advocates and change-makers.

The program will incorporate a variety of workshops, campaigns, and hands-on activities to provide participants with the tools to translate knowledge into meaningful actions. Each weekly initiative will explore a critical aspect of climate sustainability, combining legal, social, and environmental perspectives.

Weekly Initiatives

Week 1: Climate Sustainability Workshop
The campaign will launch with a workshop led by sustainability expert, who will challenge participants to move beyond rhetoric and take actionable steps toward climate sustainability. This session will set the tone for the month, emphasizing the theme "Green is the New Gold" and providing attendees with practical tools and strategies to combat the climate crisis.

Week 2: Climate Crisis Advocacy and Social Media Campaign
This week will feature a workshop by United Nations expert, focusing on the power of digital advocacy in mobilizing support for climate action. Participants will also explore the historical and legal significance of protests in driving systemic change. Following the workshop, students and academics will collaborate to produce a compelling public service announcement video advocating for collective action to reduce environmental waste and promote a rights-based approach to climate change. The video will be disseminated across social media platforms, amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact.
The week will culminate in a Climate Sustainability Awareness March, led by Dr. Cynthia C. Umezulike, where participants will publicly declare their commitment to reducing carbon emissions through symbolic placards and a peaceful demonstration.

Week 3: Tree Planting and Carbon Emission Reduction Talk
This week will center on tangible environmental action with an inaugural tree-planting ceremony and a discussion on carbon emission reduction, led by environmental expert Dr. Obinna Edeji. Participants will learn best practices for tree planting from Mr. Paul Annetts, emphasizing the symbolic and practical importance of reforestation in combating climate change. This event will underscore the message that even small daily actions can lead to significant positive impacts for future generations.

Week 4: Survey and Individualized Action Report X Green Lunch
The final week will involve the collection and analysis of feedback from participants through surveys and action reports. This exercise will measure the effectiveness of the campaign in changing behaviors and attitudes towards sustainability. Participants will share their personal efforts to reduce carbon emissions, providing a tangible reflection of the campaign’s success in fostering a proactive, sustainability-focused mindset.

Outcomes and Long-Term Impact

The Climate Sustainability Awareness Month Campaign has already demonstrated its ability to inspire change, with previous iterations resulting in increased awareness and engagement among students, staff, and the public. The campaign will:

• Expand its reach to engage more participants and amplify its impact through digital platforms.
• Deepen its focus on the intersection of law and sustainability, providing a robust framework for legal academics to contribute meaningfully to the climate crisis discussion.
• Cultivate lasting change by equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to advocate for and implement sustainable practices in their personal and professional lives.