The role of universities in tackling the climate emergency

Morning plenaries

Combatting climate change: the view from government

Rt. Hon John Gummer, Lord Deben, Chairman, Committee on Climate Change

Setting the scene for the conference, our opening keynote will outline the impacts of climate change and how the UK is contributing to combating this global issue. From rising temperatures and sea levels to extreme weather events and a threat to wildlife populations, we must act now to protect our planet.

​Student activism: campaigning for change

Jamie Agombar, Executive Director, Students Organising for Sustainability

Martin Wiles, Head of Sustainability, University of Bristol

Juan Ramón Candia, International Student Ambassador, UKCISA and PhD student at the Management School, University of York

Students are key change makers when it comes to improving sustainable practices and shaping environmental policy. In this session, we will hear about current campaigns that are most important to students and how they are making waves in their institutions.

​Break from sessions and virtual conference café

The role of research

Dr Stuart Capstick, Deputy Director, Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) and Research Fellow, School of Psychology, Cardiff University

Sophie Laurie, Associate Director Interdisciplinary Capability, National Environment Research Council 

Professor Tahseen Jafry, Director of Centre for Climate Justice, Glasgow Caledonian University

Prof. Subhes Bhattacharyya, Professor of Energy Economics and Policy, Director, Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, De Montfort University 

Chair: Professor John Rowan, Vice-Principal (Research, Knowledge Exchange & Wider Impact), University of Dundee

The demand for research evidence to inform our understanding and response to climate change has never been greater. Extending the portfolio of research across the UK including interdisciplinary research will be essential What can we learn from the work so far and what is required for universities to extend their R&D impact?

End of Day 1

Morning breakout sessions

Choose one session to attend.

Staff and student carbon literacy to support institutional climate response

Professor Petra Molthan-Hill, Head NTU Green Academy and Professor of Sustainable Management and Education for Sustainable Development, Nottingham Trent University

Phil Korbel, Director of Advocacy, Carbon Literacy Project and Co-Founder, Cooler

Professor Zoe Robinson, Professor of Sustainability in Higher Education, Keele University

Dr Lia Blaj-Ward, School of Arts and Humanities, Nottingham Trent University

Dr Alex Hope, Head of Department for Leadership and Human Resource Management and Associate Professor of Business Ethics at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University 

This session will explore how universities can make an impact across all elements of their work through a focused effort towards improved carbon literacy. How can universities educate their staff and students, and how do you encourage sustainable behaviours in disengaged members of the university community?

Day 2 - Afternoon plenaries

​Climate commission: where are we now?

Professor Joy Carter, Vice-Chancellor, University of Winchester, and Climate Commissioner, GuildHE

Marta Crispo, PhD Researcher, Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, University of Sheffield, Student Climate Commissioner, Universities UK

In just over a year since its launch, we catch up with The Climate Commission for UK Higher and Further Education Students and Leaders and what progress has been made.

​Preparing for COP-26

Professor Tim Bedford, Associate Principal, University of Strathclyde

Alyssa Gilbert, Director of Policy and Translation at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial University, and Chair, The COP26 Universities Network

Matt Toombs, Director for Partnerships and Engagement, COP26 Unit, Cabinet Office

Ahead of the UN’s Climate Change Conference in November 2021, how, as a sector, are we preparing to contribute to the biggest international summit that the UK has ever hosted?

End of conference