The ‘Climate Change Collaborations’ event explored key themes around climate change and explored the issues and good practice being developed in the region.

Dr Diana Pritchard, Principal Curriculum Developer for the Centre for Learning Excellence at the University and organiser of the day said: “Climate change is one of the most urgent issues facing our societies and environments, requiring us to encourage knowledge and understanding about its impacts, and to work together to address the consequences and future challenges. But on what and how?”

The event, masterminded by the University’s Sustainability Forum, included six workshops focused on: Ecological and Human Consequences; Wellbeing, Mindfulness and the Arts; Sustainable Materials, Waste and Recycling; Communicating Climate Change; Alternative Energies; and Mobility and Transport.  Each was chaired by the University’s academic experts in these fields.

The day culminated in an expert policy panel chaired by the University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell. On the panel were: Julia Barrett, Director of Re-Thinking, Willmott Dixon; Tom Beckett, Director of External Affairs, Berks, Buck and Oxon Wildlife Trust; Phil Birch, Sustainable Development Manager, John Lewis Partnership; and Philip Pearson former Senior Policy Officer at the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The panel responded to questions which emerged from the workshop sessions as well as those from delegates seeking to find a way forward. Delegates raised concerns on how to deepen individual and government responsibility to mitigate climate change, while others centred on the laws needed in a post Brexit era to safeguard against dangerous climate change.  

The panel emphasised the need for EU climate change laws to be incorporated into UK legislation and told the gathered audience not to underestimate what they could do.

Referencing the need to link climate change with other social issues, Philip Pearson stated we need to ‘pick an issue’ and gave the example of air quality. “Then we need to develop a campaign strategy that includes people.”

The University’s students gained valuable practical skills; with students from Events Management acting as stewards while Media Production students filmed the event. In addition Art and Design students exhibited a specially commissioned work and MA Performing Arts students performed a stunning dance opening the event.  

Dr Pritchard stressed: “We will follow up to create tangible opportunities for collaborative learning, actions and career and job opportunities which mitigate risks and construct resilient communities and better prepare our students for the future challenges.”