University climate strategy: tell us what you think of our proposed changes

The University has announced a four-week consultation period to gather views from students on our proposed updates to the Climate Strategy. The consultation will run between 20 November and 18 December.

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An AI generated image of McEwan from Bristo Square, showcasing how it could be greener m with more plants, trees and butterflies

Since the approval of the current Climate Strategy in 2016, we've made significant progress and climbed to the top of QS sustainability rankings in Europe and rank fourth globally. However, with growing environmental crises, we see the need for more urgent and comprehensive action, aiming for a strategy update in 2024.

We have spent the past seven months revising the Climate Strategy, producing three major recommendations. We are now seeking critical feedback from students on these new proposals, including:

  • Rebalance our focus: shifting the focus towards the good that can come from research, partnerships and education rather than just cutting carbon.
  • Widen the focus: Taking a broader approach by also looking at issues like biodiversity, water scarcity, and chemical pollution.
  • Set science-aligned interim targets: setting shorter-term goals that line up with science to help reach our main goal of net zero carbon by 2040.

Feedback from the consultation and town hall events will be collected and analysed in January 2024. The findings will inform the finalisation of the new Climate Strategy, slated for release later that year.

Find out more and take part in the consultation

Make your views heard

There will be a mix of physical and virtual events over the next four weeks to seek your views.

  • Monday 20 November, 6pm to 8pm (Potterrow, in collaboration with the Students' Association) book on Students' Association website
  • Thursday 23 November, 11:30am to 12:30pm (King's Buildings) 
  • Tuesday 28 November, 11am to 12pm (online)
  • Wednesday 29 November, 12pm to 1pm (Central) 
  • Monday 4 December, 11am to 12pm (online)

Book your space

Related links

University Climate Action: Seeking your views

Read our existing climate strategy

University ranks first in UK for sustainability

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