To someone who knows nothing about your society, how would you describe it to them in a couple of sentences?
The UCL Climate Action Society aims to bring students together to take action on climate change at our university and beyond, through campaigns, events and socials, all whilst having fun and learning together. We want the society to be a welcoming environment for students to explore how they can be a powerful force for change.
What are your personal motivations for being a part of the society?
I started getting involved in climate activism last year, and so I was really keen to be part of student campaigns when I joined UCL. I have been interested in climate and social justice for some time, and I read some great books about the climate crisis (’Less is More’ by Jason Hickel, ‘There is No Planet B’ by Mike Berners-Lee, amongst others!), which inspired me to translate that into taking action, and the society had helped me to continue on that journey.
Why do you think it’s so important to inspire other students to be interested and involved in climate action?
We need more people to realise that activism in our communities is, in my view, the only way we are going to achieve real climate justice.
As students we are the generation who will bear the impacts of climate change and have the opportunity to change the course of the future.
Our lives will look very different depending on the actions we take today, as the current situation with the accelerating climate crisis is an urgent one. Quite simply, a liveable future won’t be handed to us by world leaders. And change begins in our communities - UCL is a large, prestigious university that has a huge amount of power. Its students have outsized influence on university policy - there is no university without its students, and with enough pressure and action we can force the big changes we want to see. This could then influence other universities in the UK, and other institutions in society, to change their actions.
Do you see yourself as a leader when it comes to climate action and change? And who inspires you in this field?
I would hope so, though it’s important to remember that change comes from community and not from individuals necessarily.
When we come together as a mass movement demanding a liveable future, that is when we become an unstoppable force for change.
I recognise the importance of leadership though, and I hope that I have contributed to that through the Climate Action Society.
One of my inspirations is Mikaela Loach, a black intersectional climate activist. She took the UK government to court over their issuing of taxpayers’ money to oil and gas companies, who are expanding operations at a time when scientists agree that there can be no new oil and gas projects if we are to reach Net Zero and prevent global catastrophe. Mikaela has also written an amazing book, ‘It’s Not That Radial: Climate Action To Transform Our World’ which I would highly recommend for anyone interested in getting involved in climate activism.
What are the biggest challenges for young people today when it comes to climate change?
I know many students will be anxious and scared about the future, and may feel powerless and think that there is nothing they can do which will make a difference to the trajectory of the climate crisis. Whilst climate anxiety and other difficult emotions can be really hard to deal with, talking about them and building communities where we care for each other can help us not feel so alone. The other good news is - you have SO much power to create change, and there is so much you can do. Climate activism is the most powerful way to resist the destruction and devastation we are seeing around the world today, and we are here to support any students who want to take that step - it is above all else, fun and so empowering and rewarding, I promise. There is a place for all students in climate action, and this doesn’t have to be protesting if that’s not your thing. We need artists, writers, graphic designers, researchers, photographers, social media pros - or pretty much any skill you have (or none at all)! There is truly space for everyone here.
Tell us about some of your current society campaigns?
We’re currently running a campaign called Fossil Free Careers, which aims to end the UCL Careers department’s connections with the fossil fuel industry - such as through careers fair promotion and online job advertisements. We feel passionately that universities like UCL should not be promoting careers to students in the oil and gas companies that are wrecking our chances of a liveable future. We want to hold UCL to account in all the ways they continue to retain links to the fossil fuel industry and challenge them to be real climate leaders and have a robust sustainability strategy. We also run a variety of panel events and trips to educate students on the climate crisis in a fun and engaging way. For example, we have an upcoming panel event on Green Technology in collaboration with the Environment Law and Life Society, Green Economy Society and Engineers without Borders.
We held a brilliant event in collaboration with the Sign Language Society earlier in the year (see below) where we learnt to talk about climate change in British Sign Language. We learnt how to sign concepts like air pollution, fossil fuels, plastic, waste and more! This was such a fun and interesting session, and I certainly learnt a lot.
What’s the best thing about being part of Climate Action Society?
Our society is full of people who deeply care for the world and each other. They are kind, welcoming and passionate about taking action on the climate crisis, whether that is through campaigning or organising events. Their dedication and commitment to pushing for change is admirable, and I am always amazed by the resilience and determination of our group.