What's empathy got to do with it?
Empathy is a powerful skill that can be learned and development. What's it got to do with climate action? The climate crisis, global warming, climate change, environmentalism... there's so many words and terms used and it's global right? But there are so many different experiences of what's happening to the climate in different regions. There are sociological perspectives, legal perspectives, colonialism makes an appearance, not to mention current geopolitics! There are different approaches to what action should be taken.
All this can leave us feeling tribal or divided, when what is needed is a global effort. Approaching things with empathy just might help get us a little closer. Check out this blog from an Edinburgh student after attending COP28 and see what you think.
By booking a ticket via this page, you are expressing interest to this event. We will ask you to confirm your space closer to the time. If the event becomes oversubscribed, we will email all ticket holders asking them to confirm their space.
Empathy Action
Our friends at Empathy Action have developed an immersive climate justice workshop. You will take part in this facilitated workshop using film and group work, making decisions on the outcome of the characters in the film a long the way. Empathy Action will move you through a range of emotions from outrage to hope. The High Life tells the story of two countries - Opuland and Ardosland, offering participants the chance to see for themselves how the everyday decisions made in one part of the world have global consequences, both good and bad, for people living on the frontline of the climate emergency.
I feel a bit shy
We know that feeling! Look, we're not going to lie, there's going to be around 50 or 60 people taking part and you'll be working in groups throughout the session. It might feel a little uncomfortable at first but we will do everything we can to make sure it's a safe space and everyone is welcome. We have Student Event Hosts at all our events and we have ice-breakers specifically designed to help people forms bonds and understand each other. Whatever you feel at the beginning of the session, by the end of it, you will finish in a completely different place. This is a pretty transformative experience. We're really happy to talk it through if you have any specific anxieties.
This activity may be suitable for delegates of the Sustainability Leadership conference and has been designed as part of a pre-conference package, to ensure delegates get the most out of the 3-day conference.
Other ExtendED Learning opportunities at your Students' Union
The SU is excited to be hosting a variety of ExtendED Learning opportunities during Term 3. Why not take a look at all we have to offer via our ExtendED Learning webpage, where you can find further information about each event and book your space.
When the venue is confirmed, we will update this with more information. Please note that we use AccessAble to give the best possible information for any venue we choose for our events.