BU is to bring the local community together to explore solutions to climate change following severe flooding in Dorset.
As Dorset suffers some of its most severe flooding in over a decade due to Storm Chandra in January 2026, climate change has never been more relevant to our community.
In Bournemouth alone, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council responded to more than 150 reports of flooding. The floods caused significant delays on rail lines between Bournemouth and Southampton, and a rare "danger to life" severe flood warning was issued for the Lower Stour. You can check the current flood warning status for your local area on the GOV.UK website.
Supporting our local community
We recognise the disruption and anxiety that extreme weather events can have on people, which is why BU is delighted to be hosting a community film screening of the BBC‑broadcast documentary ‘The People Vs Climate Change’ on Wednesday 11 March as part of BU’s Sustainability Screenings series. This event will bring together our local community, students, and staff to watch an inspiring film, and explore what climate action looks like right here in Dorset.
A panel discussion will follow the screening, featuring:
- Steve Smith – Executive Producer of The People Vs Climate Change
- Councillor Andy Hadley - Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council
- Dr Annie East – Principal Academic in the Media School at Bournemouth University
- Stuart Lane – Sustainability and Carbon Manager at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.
- Artie Herbet – MSc Green Economy student at Bournemouth University
With a chance to ask questions and discuss the film and the issues raised.
This event is open to everyone including the community, BU staff, and BU students.
Book your free ticket through Eventbrite.
Climate change adaptation and resilience at BU
At BU, we are committed to reducing our emissions where possible through our Climate & Ecological Crisis Action Plan, however we acknowledge we are already feeling the impact of the crisis. Flooding, irregular weather, and droughts are affecting our campus operations, research projects, and the way in which we deliver our courses to students; therefore, we must proactively prepare for and adapt to a changing climate.
Read more about BU’s approach to climate adaptation on our website.
