Universities are vital in tackling climate change. They are at the heart of innovation and, most importantly, are excellent spaces for multi-disciplinary research and cross-sectional thinking. That is exactly what we need to solve the climate crisis.
Universities can collaborate with wider society in so many ways to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future – but the key thing they need to do is communicate. We have all the science to show that climate change is happening, as well as the impact it’s having. We even have many of the technological solutions – but there are gaps in how we implement them. We will never succeed in delivering on policies and action if we don't engage everybody in the conversation.
So, my number one ask of universities is to talk about climate change, across every single discipline and in every piece of work that they do.
In order for society to really speed up the progress we need on climate change, there are six things we need.
Everybody needs to be inspired. Universities are important in that because they can help us to imagine and paint a picture of a better future. We need to stop being fearful of what it means and start getting excited instead.
Everybody needs to feel connected to what it is to be taking climate action – not just people who think they are green.
We have to care about each other. We have to care about wider, global society, and we have to care about the planet if we are going to solve this problem.
No one country alone can solve climate change, and no university alone can solve the climate crisis. We all have to work together to find a global solution.
We can’t do this without investment. We have to invest money in the right things and stop investing in the wrong things.
We need leadership from every level: from political leaders, community leaders, and our universities.
Dr Tara Shine is a science and policy adviser, public speaker, explorer, TV presenter,
social entrepeneur and author.
