Tag Archives: climate crisis

Birkbeck Climate Festival 2025 – Leading the Charge Towards a Greener, More Inclusive Future 

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What happens when the world reaches a point where the climate crisis can no longer be ignored? What happens when we are at that point, but people still look away? Dr Steve Willey, Academic Co-Director of Environmental Education Projects at Birkbeck, University of London explores these pertinent questions. 

The Birkbeck Climate Festival takes place at a critical juncture in the climate conversation. As 2024 marked the first time that global temperatures surpassed the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels (Reuters), extreme weather events have become the new norm. Wildfires, floods, and heatwaves have claimed lives and displaced communities, with the recent fires in Los Angeles serving as one stark example of the harsh realities of a world with 1.5°C of warming (Time). This stark reality of our warming planet can feel overwhelming, and the urgency for comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategies is at an all-time high. However, amidst these challenges, there is a growing movement towards solutions.  

While the economic system has often been seen as part of the problem, there are signs of change. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) noted just last month that the green sector in the UK is experiencing rapid growth, generating billions of pounds and creating thousands of jobs (The Guardian). The transformation to a net-zero economy is not just an urgent necessity; it also represents an opportunity to foster resilience and innovation. By embracing these opportunities, there is potential to reshape the climate crisis into a platform for equitable transformation, ensuring that economic growth and innovation in the green sector do not come at the expense of vulnerable communities or exacerbate global inequalities.  

Birkbeck Climate Festival 2025 seeks to engage with both the challenges and the solutions that will shape the future, and by participating, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and resilient world. The festival is open to everyone who cares about the future of the planet—whether you’re a student, professional, researcher, or simply someone interested in learning more about climate action. If you’re ready to think with us about how we can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient world, we warmly invite you to join us.  

This is also why the festival begins by exploring the transformative role of data and technology in reshaping the energy landscape. A key event is the evening session, Disrupting the Energy Industry: Building a More Sustainable and Inclusive Future. This session brings together experts from the energy sector to discuss how technological innovation can disrupt traditional energy systems and promote renewable energy and inclusive access. Keynote speaker Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, will reflect on the company’s mission to create cleaner, more affordable, and accessible energy solutions for all. Learn more, join in the conversation, and register here. 

Earlier in the day, the Data, Technology & Sustainability: Birkbeck’s Role in Driving Inclusive Energy Solutions workshop will explore how data and technology are essential for a sustainable future. Using Birkbeck as a case study, the session will highlight how higher education institutions can address the global climate crisis through research, education, and operations aligned with net-zero emissions goals. Register for the workshop here. 

The Climate Festival builds on Birkbeck’s commitment to embedding sustainable practices in everything we do, from research and teaching to campus operations. We believe that through interdisciplinary research and teaching, we can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing climate issues. The festival showcases a range of events that will invite you to think differently about the world we live in. You can see all the events here.  

Throughout these discussions, Birkbeck reaffirms its commitment to tackling climate change with practical, research-driven, and community-centered solutions. From addressing the emotional toll of climate change to exploring innovative approaches to sustainable living, and even revisiting ancient philosophical perspectives on humanity’s relationship with nature, Birkbeck’s interdisciplinary approach is central to driving positive change. This festival exemplifies how Birkbeck unites experts, students, and the broader community to confront the critical challenges of our time, making sustainability an integral part of our academic and operational framework. 

For further details about the festival and to register for events, visit the Birkbeck Climate Festival 2025 page. 

Get Involved: Don’t miss out on this transformative week of discussions, workshops, and insights. Explore Birkbeck’s teaching, research, and innovative solutions that will help address the climate challenges of our time. 

An Introduction to Carbon Literacy

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Masters students Jonet Dunmore, Nina Perunovic and Verity Snow shared learnings from their Carbon Literacy Training in the final Responsible Business Centre Seminar of the summer term.

As the highest temperatures on record were reached in Britain during the July heatwave, we were reminded of the urgent challenge of addressing the climate crisis. While leadership is needed from government and business to address the crisis, many individuals are increasingly aware of climate change and looking to see what part they can play in combatting global heating.

For the past year, Birkbeck has been delivering Carbon Literacy Training to staff and students, helping our community understand key concepts and jargon and to commit to personal and organisational action to tackle the climate crisis.

On Wednesday 20 July 2022, Masters students Jonet Dunmore, Nina Perunovic and Verity Snow, who have each completed the Carbon Literacy Trust certified training, shared their learnings through the Responsible Business Centre seminar: Introduction to Carbon Literacy.

Global Warming – Key Terms

Jonet Dunmore began the discussion by explaining some of the key terms associated with climate change:

  • The Kyoto Protocol – The UN framework on climate change, which committed countries to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The Paris Agreement – In 2015, at COP 21, a goal was set to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius.
  • Net Zero – A target to negate the amount of greenhouse gases produced by humans by balancing carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere with the carbon dioxide removed from it.
  • 2050 – The UK Government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels.
  • COP26 – Governments were obliged to set out more ambitious goals for climate change under the Paris Agreement to “keep 1.5 alive”.

Which countries are most vulnerable to climate change?

Nina Perunovic highlighted the global injustice of the climate crisis. Developing countries, who are least responsible for carbon emissions, are at the frontline when it comes to the impact of climate change, from natural disasters, to food and water shortages. High polluting countries, such as China and the United States, will be slower to feel the effects of climate disaster than countries such as Yemen and Haiti, which are already living with the consequences. However, if no action is taken, the impact of climate change will soon spread across the globe.

How can Carbon Literacy help us take action?

Verity Snow concluded the seminar with a message of hope: by educating ourselves on carbon emissions, we can take the actions needed to make a change. Participants were encouraged to test their knowledge of climate change solutions using an interactive quiz.

The group also discussed the impact of personal activity such as diet, transport, energy use and lifestyle on carbon emissions. You can explore your personal carbon footprint using the WWF footprint calculator.

The Carbon Literacy Project aims to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and motivation to make a positive change for the environment. What small changes could you make to help the planet today?

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