In the run up to Lancaster University’s ‘COP26 at Lancaster Festival’, Jaya Patel investigates how we can use the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) to encourage students to be part of sustainable change at their universities.
The 26th Convention of Parties (COP26) is approaching, and it is crucial that young people are involved in climate action. So, how can COP26 be used to encourage student engagement with climate change and sustainability?
This was the focus of a recent EAUC Scotland webinar I attended, featuring some brilliant speakers from different institutions. Participants were asked what prevents student engagement in these issues. Some interesting points were raised; perhaps students don’t know how they can be involved in change, lack knowledge of the situation, or feel hopeless due to insufficient global action.
Lacking faith in COP26 is understandable, however there are ways to participate as a student and help push for change. Nick Cullen, from campaign group Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, spoke about the importance of activism in amplifying marginalised voices and pressuring decisions even from outside of the COP26 space. Volunteers can help support them in doing this.
The youth constituency of the UNFCCC, YOUNGO, provides more direct ways for students to participate in COP26. Two members spoke about the youth conference (COY) that gives youth voices the chance to be heard in COP26, and the opportunities for people to apply as delegates.
It is also vital to have accessible spaces within universities for students to engage with climate action. Firstly, sustainability must be included in curriculums to develop a greater understanding of why we need to address these issues, and how. Secondly, it means providing ways for students to help promote sustainability.
For example, the University of Leeds has a COP26 task force and student ambassador team, as Kate Lock described it. This allows students across departments to collaborate on sustainability projects within the university and alongside youth climate organisations.
Beyond COP26, there must still be opportunities for student engagement. Darren Axe of Green Lancaster talked about the long-term sustainability projects here at Lancaster University, like ECOhub, which students can have active roles in.
After watching this webinar has shown me how COP26 can be a useful starting point for encouraging student engagement, especially alongside opportunities for students to be part of sustainable change in their universities.
Lancaster University’s week-long COP26@ Lancaster University Festival (20-27 October) will have events for the public, schools, staff and students including seminars, workshops, guided walks and discussions. It will demonstrate the University’s commitment to accelerating action on climate change from local impact to global impact and highlight the depth and breadth of our research, knowledge and other activities from across the University and those we work with.
Do you want to know our latest progress towards our department’s sustainability commitments? Or to find out how the team feel about the global challenges we need to address? Then you’re in the right place.