International perspectives on climate action

In November, we facilitated a webinar exploring the intersection between climate action and international strategies in collaboration with the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), Universities Canada and Universities Finland. Being able to hear about the impactful initiatives and changes institutions are making in the UK, Germany, Canada and Finland really provided some hope.

During the webinar we heard from four fantastic speakers from each of the participating countries:

• Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), University of Glasgow, UK
• Vinitha Gengatharan, Assistant Vice-President, Global Engagement and Partnerships, York University, Canada
• Britta Piel, Head of Unit, Centre for International Cooperation, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
• Professor Stefan Baumeister, Senior Lecturer and Adjunct Professor, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

The power of collaboration 

The question of how to reconcile internationalisation and climate action is being discussed in so many places, and it was fantastic to see the commitment of colleagues in many countries dialling in (despite the unsociable hours for some!). We discovered more about the actions that are underway to reduce carbon footprints and to build international activities in an increasingly sustainable way.

What really struck me was the commonality of the challenge we are all facing. The impact of climate change is felt in communities across the globe and as a result so is the urgency for action. While the environments institutions operate in are unique to them, the changes and speed required are mirrored. It was clear to see there is a real connection between the local and global.

Ambitious net zero targets (Freie Universitaet Berlin has a net zero target of 2025) have often been implemented following urging from communities within institutions. Universities are also turning outwards to their international partners for inter-institutional learning, for joint research to find solutions to combat the climate crisis, but also to be able to offer different ways to gain an international experience to their staff and students while minimising the impact on climate.

Speakers reinforced the importance of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 – ‘partnerships for the goals’ - and presented brilliant examples on how they engage with their networks on creating synergies and opportunities for peer learning.

Setting strategies

York University (Canada) highlighted the challenges and opportunities of uniting institutional sustainability strategies and international activities in their SDG Action Plans. The Action Plan showcases opportunities to boost the inclusivity and accessibility of international activities – not just within the internal community, but also among external voices being included in activities and conversations.

Through transnational education, Collaborative Online International Learning, overseas learning and education hubs, institutions are making international experiences more accessible whilst reducing the carbon footprint. The University of Glasgow (UK) is bringing all these different international activities together under the lens of sustainability through their Global Glasgow Strategy. 

Moving forward

However, in order for partnerships to continue to flourish and collaborations to continue, travel will remain necessary at times - and international strategies are recognising this fact. With decision trees, new travel policies and revised approval processes, institutions continue to reduce the need for travel for their staff and some are starting to consider Scope 3* emissions as well.

Speakers also highlighted the importance of empowering staff. The University of Jyväskylä (Finland) highlighted in their presentation how minor changes such as using public transport for part of the journey, for outbound or inbound travel or for the full journey, can have a significant impact on the carbon footprint related to travel.

While all these initiatives give hope and the discussions gave lots of useful tips on how to rethink activities and strategies, the need to act and bring communities on board remains.

A whole system approach of embedding climate action in all parts of an institution to teaching and learning, administration, estates and digital, while continuing to collaborate with international partners and networks, might just provide the synergies to make real progress

For my part, hearing all the fantastic case studies from peers gives me the energy and I hope to continue working on this with our members, partners and colleagues across the globe. Together we can do it!

* Scope 3 emissions are those an organisation does not directly produce, but are otherwise responsible for producing at some point during their value chain - for example when their product is used or when they buy materials from a supplier. These are said to create up to 70% of the emissions of many organisations.