‘Save our Planet: Interactive Event’ was designed to test students’ understanding of the best measures and policies that can reduce global warming and avoid worsening climate chaos, using the globally-acclaimed software ‘Climate Interactive’. The event was also used to gather student ideas on actions they would like to see the University incorporate into the sustainability strategy.

This event was organised by Dr Diana Pritchard – Head of Evaluation & Enhancement at the University’s Academy of Learning and Teaching Excellence and co-ordinator of the University’s Sustainability Forum – alongside Beds SU’s Nat Falacinska and Heidi King.

Speaking about this event, Dr Pritchard said: “The impacts of climate chaos on all our lives is set only to increase, not just for our children or grandchildren, but within the next few years and for all of our lifetimes. Understanding how to mitigate and adapt to the impact that its shocks and disruptions will have on our working, community and personal lives is crucial for all of our students and staff.” 

Creating opportunities for students to learn about the climate contributes to the University’s strategic commitments to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Events like these also build on the University’s existing sustainability work including saving an impressive 700 tonnes worth of CO2 in the last financial year and reducing its carbon emissions by 23%.

Professor Andrew Church, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Group lead for sustainability, also attended and led the strategy session. He said: “We are updating our Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy and it is crucial we have input from students to inform our thinking. The students at this event were very informed about key climate change issues and have provided us with some excellent ideas to incorporate in our revised strategy. I’m also grateful for the support of Beds SU in making this event happen.”

Nat Falacinska, Student Engagement Coordinator at Beds SU, added: “It was wonderful to do a collaborative event with the University which showcases the amazing sustainability work that we both do. It was good to see so many engaged students at this event and we hope to see them at our SU sustainability events in the future.”