{"id":188,"date":"2023-06-12T11:23:38","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T10:23:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/climate-action\/?p=188"},"modified":"2023-06-12T11:23:38","modified_gmt":"2023-06-12T10:23:38","slug":"making-a-difference-the-universitys-climate-response-matters-now-more-than-ever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/sustainable-bath\/2023\/06\/12\/making-a-difference-the-universitys-climate-response-matters-now-more-than-ever\/","title":{"rendered":"Making a difference: The University's climate response matters now more than ever"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the last in our series of posts about 2023's Climate Action Survey results, we take a look at its key findings and highlight the ongoing priorities for the University and the Climate Action Team. <\/strong><\/p>\n

As the University continues its efforts to address the pressing challenges of climate change, we would like to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our <\/span>2023 Climate Action Survey<\/span><\/a>. Your thoughtful responses have provided us with valuable insights into how we can continue to make progress in this critical area.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this final article, we provide a handy round-up of the key findings from the survey results and highlight the breadth of work being done by the University to address climate change through our <\/span>Climate Action Framework<\/span><\/a> (CAF).<\/span><\/p>\n

It is important to share the results of this survey with our community and raise awareness of the University's ongoing commitment to climate action. This survey was completed by 4764 respondents, representing 41% of University staff and 14% of students. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by our community in this important endeavour and we look forward to continuing to work together towards a more sustainable future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our series of blog posts over the last few weeks have shared insights from the latest survey. Overall, we have found that the community remains engaged with the subject of climate change and largely supports the University\u2019s actions to date.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Students and staff unite in calls for strong action<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Key finding<\/em>:<\/em> Students are motivated to make individual lifestyle changes to help the environment, but face barriers when it comes to making those changes a reality.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From climate anxiety to action: How to make a difference in the fight against climate change<\/a><\/p>\n

Key finding<\/em>:<\/em> 92% of students and staff have felt some level of worry about the climate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Changing the way we eat: A sustainable diet for a sustainable future<\/a><\/p>\n

Key finding<\/em>:<\/em> 68% of students and 51% of staff are aware of the University's Sustainable Food Commitment, introduced in 2022.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From theory to action: Bridging the gap to a sustainable future with research<\/a><\/p>\n

Key finding<\/em>:<\/em> 29% of staff and 38% of students are conducting research that aligns with a 1.5\u00baC future.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Travel smart to save the planet: Are your commuting habits impacting the environment?<\/a><\/p>\n

Key finding<\/em>:<\/em> Students and staff are supportive of measures to incentivise low-carbon commuting and to disincentivise higher-carbon alternatives, with most support focused on bus service provision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Systemic transformation and individual action: Keys to addressing the climate crisis<\/a><\/p>\n

Key finding<\/em>:<\/em> 43% of students feel that their personal contributions to tackling climate change are not<\/i> sufficient, while 47% of staff acknowledged that they contribute less, or far less, than required in relation to their day-to-day job role.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Students and staff working to support Climate Action Education<\/a><\/p>\n

Key finding:<\/em> 68% of students experience climate or sustainability education through their course, though with great variation as to how embedded this is. However, just 51% of teaching staff are delivering climate or sustainability education in their practice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCollectively as <\/span>a <\/span>university <\/span>community <\/span>we have <\/span>the <\/span>capacity<\/span> to make <\/span>great contributions <\/span>to mitigate and adapt to the challenges of climate change through our research impact and <\/span>our <\/span>education<\/span> programmes<\/span>. A<\/span>s individuals<\/span> our contributions may seem tiny<\/span> by comparison<\/span>, but collectively<\/span> how we <\/span>work and <\/span>l<\/span>i<\/span>ve our lives<\/span> can <\/span>add up to so much more. The clear motivation for action demonstrated across our community is positive as we seek transformative change.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Professor Pete Walker, Climate Action Chair<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Leading the charge on climate action<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

CAF provides a comprehensive vision of how the University is reducing our carbon footprint and tackling the urgent challenges of climate change. It includes our aims for achieving carbon net zero by 2040 and outlines a range of initiatives to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to note that these targets are just one aspect of the University's broader efforts to promote sustainability and reduce its environmental impact. Our whole institution approach includes initiatives to reduce waste, conserve resources and promote sustainable practices across all aspects of campus operations, and embed it within our education, research and partnerships.<\/span><\/p>\n

It goes without saying that it is important for the University to prioritise climate action because of the urgent need to address the challenges of climate change. As an institution of higher education, we have a responsibility to lead by example and to equip our community with the knowledge and skills they need to be agents of change. By prioritising climate action, we can help to reduce our carbon footprint, promote sustainable practices and contribute to a more equitable future for all.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, results from this year\u2019s survey show that although our community believes the University is taking meaningful action to tackle the climate emergency and operating with an adequate scale of response, they considered it to be at an insufficient level of urgency.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It is important to note that the challenges of climate change are complex and multifaceted and no single initiative can solve the crisis on its own. Therefore, it is essential for the University to continue to prioritise climate action, collaborate with external partners and stakeholders and work towards a net zero future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking the next steps: Climate Action priorities<\/h2>\n

Determining what the University should be focusing on to address the climate emergency is an important question that requires careful consideration and collaboration across the whole of our community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on the survey results and the current work being done by the Climate Action Team, the areas that could have the greatest impact include:<\/span><\/p>\n