Earlier this month we published our Climate and Ecological Crisis Action Plan, which outlines the ways we’re hoping to achieve net zero Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2030/31.
However, if we’re to achieve this target, it’s going to take the actions of everyone in the BU community and beyond. In March, we’re hosting a number of online events to get everyone thinking about the various issues surrounding the climate crisis – and to help you start thinking about the positive actions you might be able to take.
We’ve invited numerous key speakers and experts in their field to share their views on a number of wide-ranging topics, so you’re bound to find something that grabs your interest.
The events include an expert panel session, workshops, lectures, an online café and much more. There will also be opportunities to ask have your questions answered. Many of the events are open to the public, so please feel free to share the information with any friends and family who may be interested.
Climate & Ecological Crisis: what is the role of universities in taking action?
Wednesday 3 March, 4pm – 5.30pm
BU plays an enormous role within the wider Bournemouth community. During this event you’ll have the opportunity to hear from expert panellists from BU and BCP Council, to understand what role universities and local communities should play in tackling the climate crisis and how we can all act in the lead up to COP26 (UN Climate Change Conference 2021) and the future. You’ll also be given the chance to address questions to the panel.
Please head to Eventbrite to read full information about this public event and to register.
The Feminist Green New Deal
Tuesday 9 March, 3pm – 5pm
“What does it mean to pay attention to inequalities of gender, race and class when we think about transitioning to a green economy?” This workshop, hosted by the Women's Environmental Network, will address this question by highlighting the important role of women in climate change and the intersectionality of environmentalism and feminism.
To find out full details and register your place, please head to Eventbrite.
Climate Reality: The crisis and COP26 (UN Climate Change Conference)
Wednesday 10 March, 4pm – 5.30pm
The need for a green and just transition has never been greater; this event seeks to understand how we can, ahead of the landmark COP26 (UN Climate Change Conference), work together to achieve this.
This event will be hosted by local Climate Leaders, from The Climate Reality Project, a network of over 31,000 Climate Reality Leader activists mobilizing communities in 170 countries. Climate Reality exist to make urgent action a necessity, in politics, business and every aspect of our lives.
To find out full details and register your place, please head to Eventbrite.
Climate Café
Tuesday 16 March, 3pm – 4pm
Our first ever BU Climate Café aims to bring together people within the BU community who are concerned or interested in climate change and want a safe space to explore, share and discuss.
The theme of BU's first community Climate Café is “how has the Covid-19 pandemic changed how we approach climate change?”
To find out full details and register your place, please head to Eventbrite.
Conserving Biodiversity in a Dynamic World - LES (Life and Environmental Science) Lecture
Thursday 18 March, 4.30pm – 5.30pm
The main way we tend to try and preserve wild species is to designate natural spaces for them, where we hope they will survive and thrive away from human developments. However, species all around the world are changing their distributions in response to climate change. This talk – hosted by Dr Phillipa Gillingham, Deputy Head of Department of Life and Environmental Sciences – will ask whether the traditional conservation method of designating reserves has any use in helping species cope with climate change.
To find out full details and register your place, please head to Eventbrite.
Eco-anxiety to Action Workshop
Monday 22 March, 3pm – 5pm
70% of 18-24 year olds in the UK experience eco-anxiety; feelings of fear, guilt, stress and disempowerment in the face of the climate crisis. These feelings are completely valid, but can be overwhelming so it’s important we don’t feel the weight of them alone. Join us for this workshop where we’ll support each other to shift from a place of climate anxiety to one of climate action.
Led by Faith & Reflection and BU Sustainability Team, all BU students and staff are welcome to join this workshop as we foster a sense of community and empowerment.
To find out full details and register your place, please head to Eventbrite.
MOTHERLOAD virtual screening and Q&A with Director Liz Canning
Tuesday 23 March, 6pm - 7pm
As part of Climate Month, we are screening the fantastic and empowering independent film, MOTHERLOAD as well as a Q&A with director Liz Canning. MOTHERLOAD is a crowdsourced documentary in which the cargo bicycle becomes a vehicle for exploring motherhood in this digital age of climate change.
Ultimately, Liz's experiences as a cyclist, as a mother, and in discovering the cargo bike world, teach her that sustainability is not necessarily about compromise and sacrifice, and that there are few things more empowering in an age of consumption than the ability to create everything from what seems to be nothing.
To find out full details and register your place, please head to Eventbrite.
Climate Assembly
Wednesday 24 March, 2pm - 4pm
Within our Climate & Ecological Crisis Action Plan (CECAP), BU has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2030/31. Our first ever Climate Assembly will bring together BU students and staff to shape how we meet this target.
You’ll hear presentations about various areas of our CECAP and discuss these in order to make recommendations about what we should do to become net zero emissions.
A £25 voucher will be offered to 5 students per Faculty for your participation and contribution within the session. If we exceed this number of sign ups, all are still welcome to join.
To sign up, please complete our expression of interest form.
Make a pledge...and get creative!
As part of Climate Month, we are asking you to make a pledge to take action for the planet. Whether your pledge is large or small, short- or long-term, we encourage you to commit to something new, that will help us tackle the climate and ecological crisis, and we’ll enter everyone who pledges into a £25 raffle!
Now is the time to take action if we’re going to help our environment. Getting involved with any of the events for Climate Month is a brilliant start, as educating ourselves is one of the first steps we can take.
And if you’re feeling creative this month, why not take a look at our art competition? Open to staff, students and the younger family members, there are prizes to be won for your nature inspired submissions!
