Climate Week

We’re really excited for LUU’s first ever Climate Week, from 22 March. Through a busy programme of online events and content, we’re bringing together students, academics and representatives who are contributing to climate action. One of mine and Lotti’s aims this year was to recognise the work of students who are dedicated to climate activism. We also wanted to bring students closer to sustainability work at the Union and University. Our aim for this week is to amplify both of these initiatives, to get more students involved and celebrate existing initiatives.

There’s loads of ways you can get involved throughout the week and Lucia, one of our Community Reps, has written a summary here.

Here are some highlights:

• We’re kickstarting the week with ‘Building Back Better: A Sustainable Future for Leeds’, a panel discussion featuring the Vice Chancellor Simone Buitendijk, LUU Envirosoc and Leeds City Councillors.
• We also had the privilege of interviewing professor Dame Jane Francis, Chancellor of the University of Leeds and director of the British Antarctic Survey. You can listen to her discussing her career, the impact of climate change on Antarctica, and our responsibility to prioritise action. Check back here for the link during the week.
• You can pledge to try one (or more!) of our challenges to reduce your carbon footprint this week. It’s about making a small personal change, but also sharing your experience to spread the word. You’ll also be entered into a prize draw if you post about your pledge.
• Climate Week marks the launch of our Sustainability Grant – you can apply for between £10 and £1000 of funding for an idea which will benefit students and improve sustainability at the Union.

A huge thank you to all of the inspiring students who have contributed to bringing this week together. We hope you take something away from this week and we can start some important conversations by bringing together students and professionals working towards a common goal.

Izzy and Lotti x