DMU Camps Collective encourages staff and students to take action as world leaders meet for climate change talks

Published on 25 October 2024

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Students and staff have been urged to set up a series of events to coincide with COP 29 by Dr Mark Charlton, pictured above
Students and staff have been urged to set up a series of events to coincide with COP 29 by Dr Mark Charlton, pictured above

Students and staff at DMU are being offered support to set up sustainability events on campus to coincide with the world’s biggest climate change talks next month.

World leaders will gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11-22 November for COP 29, the United Nations climate change talks, to discuss how to deal with the growing threat to our planet.

To mark this, the university plans to show its support through its Campus Collective project by hosting a two-week series of sustainability-led events on the campus.

Events, including DMU’s annual climate awards to recognise work by students and staff and the Big River Clean-up, will be announced shortly.

However, the university also wants to give staff and students the opportunity to organise their own events to drive change and make a difference.

Dr Mark Charlton, Associate Director of SDG Impact Hub at DMU, said: “The university has a history of organising activities to demonstrate the commitment of students and staff to climate action but the increasing number of weather-related catastrophes across the world are showing the growing urgency to act now.

“With DMU’s Campus Collective capturing the imagination and inspiring staff and students for new initiatives around sustainability, COP 29 is the perfect opportunity for people to demonstrate that commitment and we would encourage as many staff and students as possible to take part in events and organise their own activities.

“These events may be anything from leading a seminar, discussion group, litter pick, workshop – anything to highlight the issue of climate change and the need for action.”

Those organising their own events are asked to email dmusdg16@dmu.ac.uk to help timetable and publicise the activities. Some seed funding is available for catering or materials.

Staff and students interested in taking part in events can also email the address above so they can be informed of upcoming events or seek advice on how to plan an event.