Dear all
The UEA Sustainability Newsletter is back from its summer break. If you are a new subscriber, welcome! If you have been a subscriber for some time, nice to see you again! We aim to update you fortnightly on sustainability-related news and events at UEA and in Norwich. Please send any feedback and content for the next edition to [email protected] and help us widen the reach of this initiative by inviting others to subscribe to the newsletter here: https://ueasustainabilitynetwork.weebly.com/newsletter.html Happening at UEA Video: Meet UEA’s Sustainability Initiatives Want to get involved in climate and environmental activism at UEA? Want to easily reduce your environmental footprint whilst studying? UEA got you covered: watch this video clip for an introduction to the sustainability initiatives active at UEA, and to find out how you can get involved. This clip has been produced by UEASU and DEV. If you are involved in any sustainability initiative at UEA that isn’t included in the video, let them know and they’ll include you in the next edition! Any Last Words? Creative Climate Writing Competition Fancy writing some tales of extinction, adaptation and mitigation? Want to be in with a chance of winning print publication and a chunk of our £350 prize pool? Do you have Any Last Words to give on climate change? Enter the Any Last Words? Creative Climate Writing Competition now! This UEA-Student-led competition is open to any students with an ac.uk email address. Shortlisted pieces will receive print publication and feedback from a panel of highly regarded literary and scientific judges (including the prolific author and Bafta Award winning producer Stephen Moss!). The grand prize winner will also receive a cash prize of £200, whilst there are two £50 prizes up for grabs for best short form and long form piece. Deadline is the 23rd October. For more submission info and details on how to enter, head to www.anylastwordscompetition.wordpress.com. UEA Conservation Society & UEA Sustainabilty Society Working Groups Are you a UEA student or alumni? Interested in increasing biodiversity on campus? Want to join forces with UEA Conservation Society & UEA Sustainabilty Society? Join one of their working groups! Email to register your interest at [email protected] 💚 🌻 rewilding & relandscaping 🌻 The ‘rewilding & relandscaping’ working group will hopefully be working with the uea biodiversity implementation and landscaping team to relandscape as much of campus as possible: creating small native wildflower meadows, richly biodiverse areas and increasing pollinating opportunities for native insects. The group needs student help for research, networking and development of a fully fledged plan that we can present at the next biodiversity meeting in November 2020. We're hoping to start planting in the Spring of 2021. 🦔 habitat creation 🦔 The ‘habitat creation’ working group is hoping to work with the uea biodiversity implementation and landscaping team to create and install bug, bee, bat & bird boxes across campus. The group needs student help for research, networking and development of a fully fledged plan that they can also present at the next biodiversity meeting in November 2020. They'll also need some student help to plan and run workshops for creating these habitats, as well as some funding wizardry. Allyship training Jumara Stone, Wellbeing Training Manager in STS, is delivering Black Lives Matter (BLM) Allyship training on 26th October at 14:00 – 16:30 for Black History Month and it is open to students and staff (mainly to white members of the community) to learn more about the issues on racism and how to be active allies. If you are interested, please email [email protected] to book a slot. (Though not strictly speaking sustainability-related, we have decided to promote this training here because environmental / climate justice is racial justice!) Tyndall Centre monthly seminars Weblink: https://zoom.us/j/95470177989 Password: 753934
Global Environmental Justice MOOC It’s not yet too late to join the Global Environmental Justice MOOC organised by the School of International Development. Sign up for free to learn about how climate change, biodiversity loss and deforestation affect people, exploring justice in environment management. Events in Norwich & beyond Norfolk Climate Change Conference on Saturday 31st October 2-3.30pm The conference will provide a platform to reflect on the lessons from the coronavirus pandemic for dealing with the urgent problem of climate change. A conference for the whole community young and old; town and country; activist and the curious; scientist and layman. Register here to watch live or re-watch on YouTube. Speakers include:
EAUC Global Climate Conference from 16-20 November The Global Climate Conference in Education, organised by EAUC/ The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education will take place online this year and is free for students! To create a free EAUC account, register here using your UEA email address and select UEA in the drop-down box. On the agenda are Climate Justice, Transformational Student Engagement, the Future of Global Research and many more burning issues! Please help us improve this newsletter by submitting any relevant content or suggestions for improvements to [email protected]. We also welcome contributions to our UEA Sustainability Blog: https://ueasustainabilitynetwork.weebly.com/blog Please get in touch with any relevant content. Finally, we welcome new members of the editorial team! Please get in touch if you can lend a hand. Thank you! Em, Elletra, Hannah, Hannah, and Henry
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Dear all,
As we look towards our fifth week of lockdown, society is gradually learning how to utilise technology so that we can stay connected from our homes. This week’s newsletter features links to online courses and activities, as well as suggestions for what to read, watch, and listen to to stay engaged with sustainability. Show your support for environmental protection on Earth Day, Wednesday 22nd April, by using the hashtag #UEAEarthDay2020 on Instagram and Twitter. Online Courses and Events UEA Global Environmental Justice MOOC UEA’s next Global Environmental Justice MOOC starts on Monday 20th April. This free online course explores how injustice is a common feature of many environmental problems, and how sustainable environmental management requires attention to justice. You can sign up here. EarthFest Live Wednesday 22nd April marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Earth Day. In honour of this occasion, Creatively United for the Planet is offering a free online EarthFest webinar series, taking place every day from 7:00pm to 8:30pm from Sunday 19th-Saturday 25th April. Presenters will explore a multitude of transformational possibilities and creative solutions to move us forward. You can register for free here. “It’s changed my whole life!”: how inclusive development through clean cooking biogas improves people’s livelihoods, health and environment in a Kenyan fishing community Air pollution from household cooking is a known killer worldwide, causing up to 4.2 million premature deaths each year. But poor households still rely on wood fuel and charcoal for cooking in many countries, degrading forest resources, and causing ill health, especially in women and young children. Renewable energy sources can provide part of the solution, occupying a ‘sweet spot’ in the Sustainable Development Goals, including energy, poverty reduction, clean air, and reduced deforestation. From 3:30pm to 5:30pm on Wednesday, 22nd April, Dr Natasha Grist will be presenting her research on clean cooking biogas in Kenya as part of the DEV Research Seminar. You can join via this link. Volunteer Responses to COVID-19: what can we learn moving forward? The UNESCO Chair in Adult Literacy and Learning for Social Transformation and the Institute for Volunteer Research both based at UEA are hosting a webinar on volunteer responses to COVID-19 at 1:00pm on Thursday 30th April. Sharing experiences from Sierra Leone, Nepal and the UK, the panel will critically reflect on key learnings gained through their volunteer initiatives’ responses to the current health pandemic. Register here for free. Reset TV Online Programmes Social and climate justice movements Extinction Rebellion (XR) and Animal Rebellion (AR) have launched Alone Together, a regenerative rebellion in response to coronavirus. Both organisations have produced programmes of online events, workshops, talks, and support sessions to bring people together in new ways, focusing on digital learning, personal and collective wellbeing, community resilience, and outreach. Click here for the XR programme and here for the AR programme. Read Books The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) is the great lost scientist: more things are named after him than anyone else. There are towns, rivers, mountain ranges, the ocean current that runs along the South American coast, there's a penguin, a giant squid - even the Mare Humboldtianum on the moon. Humboldt predicted human-induced climate change as early as 1800, and The Invention of Nature traces his ideas as they go on to revolutionize and shape science, conservation, nature writing, politics, art and the theory of evolution. He wanted to know and understand everything and his way of thinking was so far ahead of his time that it's only coming into its own now. 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg Kellogg breaks zero waste living down to 101 simple, easy steps as a practical blueprint for reducing waste in one part of your life at a time. If you're just getting started reducing your waste, this book is perfect for you, as it provides you with simple switches, DIY recipes, and words of wisdom to remind you that zero waste living is not about perfection, but about making better choices. Watch Broken: Netflix Documentary series The series shows how popular consumer items, such as makeup and disposable furniture, come at a high environmental price. 21st century consumerism has been making products dangerous for consumers through cost-cutting production and marketing. This docu-series might just change the way you buy and consume things, by shocking you enough to want to take action. Cowspiracy: Netflix Documentary This documentary explores the destruction that animal agriculture does to the environment, and interrogates why many environmental activist groups do not address this key contributor to the climate crisis. BOSH.TV Live Cookalongs Vegan cooking duo Henry Firth and Ian Theasbye are doing live cooking videos on YouTube to inspire creative cooking during lockdown. These videos are also available to watch on they’re channel afterwards, so check them out for some new recipes that are kind to the planet. Listen Outrage and Optimism This podcast brings together the team behind the Paris Agreement, discussing current affairs in relation to the climate crisis, and finding the balance between outrage and optimism in the fight to protect our planet. They also discuss the changes we can make as individuals, and interview politicians and public figures with varying perspectives on sustainability. An interesting listen! The Disclosure Podcast Vegan Educator Ed Winters, ‘Earthling Ed’, discusses topics surrounding veganism, morality, ethics, and the environment. During some episodes he invites guests with whom he brings some of these topics to conversation and debate, including one episode with environmental activist and filmmaker Jack Harries which considers the question ‘Can you be a non-vegan environmentalist?’ If you are keen to do even more listening, you can find a great compilation of different sustainability and conservation related podcasts here. We hope you are all staying safe and well during these uncertain times. The Sustainability Network Team Help us improve! Contact us on social media or write to [email protected]. Dear all,
We’ve decided to keep the newsletter running for the time being, with suggestions of what you can read, write, watch, and listen to stay engaged with sustainability (and the relationships between coronavirus and the climate crisis) so you can get clued up rather than getting bored at home. We’ll also share links of online events that might be of interest. Online Events Plant-based Future: What, Why, & What’s Next?: Animal Rebellion is hosting this online talk once a week for the next two months and will discuss what has caused this current state of climate emergency, what could be coming next and, most importantly, what we can all do about it. Norwich Online Climate Strike: this month’s climate strike is going online to comply with social distancing regulations whilst continuing to push for climate action. Join in by posting a picture of yourself with a climate sign and use the hashtag #ClimateStrikeNorwich. Read Books The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben Reconnect with nature from home with Wohlleben’s exploration into forests as social networks. Drawing on groundbreaking scientific discoveries, he describes how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. After reading this, a walk in the woods will never be the same again. Articles and Blogs High Waist Low Waste: this blog was recently set up by a UEA student and promotes preloved clothes and encourages readers to reduce, reuse, and recycle their wardrobes with advice on how to be more sustainable when it comes to fashion. The missing puzzle piece for getting to 100% clean power: (David Roberts - Vox) explains how Power to Gas (PtG) technology could help create a grid with net-zero carbon emissions, without the need for expensive battery storage. We Are Not the Virus: (Henry Webb - Medium) why the myth of overpopulation in climate activism is dangerous and how COVID-19 is making it worse. It’s Time to Nationalise Airlines: (Henry Webb - Medium) an article looking at the potential environmental and other benefits of bringing airlines into public ownership. Write Rewriting the Future: UEA LDC’s Kate Moorhead-Kuhn has set this Facebook group up to inspire writers to consider how coronavirus will affect our writing. This is an excellent opportunity to think creatively about what our future will hold, both in relation to coronavirus and the climate crisis. At Home, On Earth: this new quarterly zine encourages writers and artists to respond to the questions: How do we relate to the natural world? Can we rediscover (and redefine) our place in it? How can we lessen the disconnect between humanity and the ecosystems we reside in? This is a great way to think creatively about humanity’s relationship with the natural world. The Broads Sheet: this new undergraduate publication for creative nonfiction showcases long-form writing from young people. Each issue intends to collate a broad range of thought-provoking essays, articles, questions, and answers. The first issue Twenty Twenty will be a collection of work on a new decade of uncertainty; content can be submitted via [email protected]. We are also open for submission: submit anything sustainability-related to our blog via [email protected]. Watch Coronavirus and the Climate Crisis How wildlife trade is linked to coronavirus: (Vox) How the global wildlife trade may be connected to spread of COVID-19 What the Coronavirus teaches us about Climate Change (COVID-19): (Our Changing Climate) How we can learn from this pandemic to plan our approach to the climate crisis Different Crises: Coronavirus & Climate Change: (ClimateAdam) Why it's important to understand the differences (and similarities) between these two global crises Sustainability-Related Documentaries and Series Our Changing Climate: short video essays explaining the environmental impacts of our lifestyle choices and how we can make changes to be more sustainable Listen Coronavirus and the Climate Crisis: this episode of the Outrage and Optimism podcast (available on various podcast platforms) considers what the coronavirus is revealing about our response to the climate crisis. This is a brilliant podcast all round, so it’s worth listening to other episodes if you enjoy this one! Exercise Down Dog: It is also very important to keep active whilst at home. In response to the many school closures, Down Dog is offering free access until Wednesday 1st July for all students, teachers/academics and staff (K-12 and college/university). To access the free school membership, just sign up with your academic email address. Save the Date! Earth Day, Wednesday 22nd April. Demonstrate support for environmental protection in every way you can and use the hashtag #UEAEarthDay2020 on Instagram and Twitter. We hope you are all staying safe and well during these uncertain times. The Sustainability Network Team Help us improve! Contact us on social media or write to [email protected]. Dear all,
Unfortunately, we’ve been advised that all events at UEA have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. But the UEA Sustainability Network does not stop! In this week’s newsletter we have recommendations of films and documentaries to watch, and interesting reading to help you during self-isolation, or if you just fancy staying in! Book and Film Recommendations This Changes Everything - Naomi Klein (book) Forget everything you think you know about global warming. The really inconvenient truth is that it’s not about carbon—it’s about capitalism. This book is a civilizational wake-up call, a powerful message delivered in the language of fires, floods, storms, and droughts. Worth reading for a change of perspective. This Civilisation is Finished - Rupert Read, Samuel Alexander (book) UEA’s very own Rupert Read works with Samuel Alexander in his recent release This Civilisation is Finished, which discusses how our social and economic systems must change to prevent the destruction of our planet. This book considers the reality of the climate crisis, with the authors challenging one another to have many uncomfortable conversations that humanity has avoided for too long. An Inconvenient Truth (Documentary) Maybe one of the most famous climate change documentaries, An Inconvenient Truth prompted millions to start asking questions about the climate crisis and doing something about it, helping shape the modern climate movement we know today. Followed by An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, which tells the story of one man’s fight to solve this crisis at a time when the threat has never been clearer – and the reasons for hope have never been greater. Apocalypse Cow: How Meat Killed the Planet (Documentary) George Monbiot takes a look into the history of UK agriculture, how it shaped our landscapes, and what it might look like in the future. Available on All 4. Pause the System “We are in a public health emergency. The Government is failing to listen to the World Health Organisation and are prioritising the economy, disregarding the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities. We need to pause the system and put the UK into lockdown. A change from business as usual will give humans and the planet a change from an economic system which is destroying the planet and provide the space to reflect and imagine better alternatives.” Find out more about Pause the System Sign the petition Top tip of the week Switch to a sustainable search engine like Ecosia. They use some of their profits to plant trees, and they run on 100% renewable energy. Articles and videos Why don’t we treat the climate crisis with the same urgency as coronavirus? (The Guardian) Coronavirus: Why are we catching more diseases from animals? (BBC) Why Covid-19 is worse than the flu, in one chart (Vox) Why fighting the coronavirus depends on you (YouTube - Vox) Other dates for your calendar World Water Day Sunday 22nd March Do your bit: Learn what you can do to help, Share the message and ACT NOW! Tag us on twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #WorldWaterDay2020 Earth Hour Saturday 28th March Switch off your lights for an hour at 8:30 pm your local time. Find out why at earthhour.org Get Involved ‘At Home, On Earth’ 'At Home, On Earth' is a new, quarterly zine put together by UEA students. It explores nature in an age of humanity, asking the big questions, such as ‘How do we relate to the natural world?’ ‘Can we rediscover (and redefine) our place in it?’ ‘How can we lessen the disconnect between humanity and the ecosystems we reside in?’ ‘At Home, On Earth’ invites contributions from artists, photographers and creative writers as well as non-fiction writers. Submissions for the first issue close at Midnight on March 20th - please email submissions to [email protected] or message the editors directly on Facebook. Stay In The Loop Climate Commission for UK Higher & Further Education Leaders UEA is involved with the Climate Commission for UK Higher and Further Education Leaders organised by the EAUC, UUK, GuildHE and the Association of Colleges. The Commission is organising a series of events to gather ideas and plan concrete steps to create real impact and drive change. UEA lecturer Dr Rupert Read was a keynote speaker in a recent online conversation on “Mobilising the Further and Higher Education voice for influence and impact”, which you can watch here. The UEA Sustainability Network team Help us improve! Contact us on social media or write to [email protected] The Climate and Environmental Activism Workshop was arranged as a part of the UEA’s ‘Do Something Different Week’ and representatives from different groups attended along with some keen listeners. These speakers were asked a couple of questions and gave some insightful answers that provoked some stimulating conversations.
The speakers present were: · Catherine Rowett – former Green MEP · Hayley Pinto – CHAIN, Climate Hope Action in Norfolk · Cameron Joshi – Global Justice Now and Global Justice Rebellion · Florence Lonergan – Student Climate Action Norwich How did you get into environmental activism? Catherine shared that she had been passionate about environmental activism since high school and since had become preoccupied by family. However, recently Catherine has had more time to explore ways to aid the world against the climate crisis and in doing this threw herself into politics as she believes that the solution to our crisis has to be political. Hayley became an environmental activist through her fear of what the future of her children would turn out to be, she joined CHAIN to raise awareness and since then has attended many protests such as joining Extinction Rebellion at the Bridges action where she was arrested. Even though the arrest meant she was temporarily deprived of her freedom, Hayley felt that the experience was empowering and that she had impacted the world. Cameron became an environmental activist through the want to become more involved with the world and to make a difference. By making a difference Cameron hoped that it would rid him of some of the fear of the outcome of this environmental crisis. Florence has been part of the school strikers for a year, she became an environmental activist through the fear of her future, she said that there is no point to her education if, when she has finished, there is no longer a world to live in. What actions do you find most effective? Florence believes that strikes are the most effective action she can take as it puts direct pressure on local councils and raises awareness. Florence goes on to say that the more people attending the strike worldwide the bigger the impact it has, for example the worldwide strike on the 20th September raised lots of awareness, an estimated 4000 people attended this in Norwich alone. Cameron highlighted the three main areas as being action, education and solidarity. The action should be targeted at those responsible, such as corporations, whose decisions have a substantial impact on the environment. He also highlighted the importance of working alongside the indigenous populations. Hayley also promoted the idea of collaborative working and the need to work as a society rather than individuals and to target actions and information towards companies and governments. Hayley stressed the point that actions should not solely be about the environment and climate but also about the effect that extreme climates and the destruction of the environment has on people. Therefore, she emphasised the importance for professional people and bodies, for instance within medicine, to confirm the need for change. Hayley felt that any actions should be able to be portrayed in a positive light towards the public to enable the press to be more onside. Catherine gave a positive view of direct action, such as April Rebellion or the digging of Trinity Lawn, through movements such as Extinction Rebellion saying that any exposure promotes social awareness. She also stated that it’s important to question political parties within all areas of their manifesto. As a member of the green party she was encouraged that other political parties seemed to be taking on board green party policies. How do you keep going when the situation looks bleak? Catherine suggests enthusiastically moving onto the next challenges and broaden the approach taken, for example using art and creative aspects to promote environmental activism. Hayley encouraged the need for personal wellbeing as she felt it important to allow yourself to push less, rebuild yourself and find a connection with nature. Cameron represented an optimistic view, he stated the importance of keeping going as he feels there is no choice, he believes it is scary but we have the potential to win, now is not the time to stop. Florence uses her outrage at the state of the world as a fuel to keep pushing and working towards a better future. How do you make the movement as inclusive as possible? Florence states the importance of including all areas of society with an understanding that for some, certain types of change might be very challenging, for instance financially. Cameron talked about the importance for a universal language to enable all areas of society to become engaged in the need for change, not just those with higher levels of education. Hayley says it is important to have actions that are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, and for actions to be non-violent so as not to exclude anyone. Catherine highlights the importance of education and the opportunity for people to exercise their rights with a clear understanding of the issues in front of them, she also went on to say that it was important to reach not only people’s heads but also their hearts. How would you recommend people get involved in your movement? Florence recommends following their Instagram page and keeping up-to-date with any upcoming strikes to participate in. Cameron encourages everyone to find like-minded people who can share information on how to get involved in strikes and other actions. According to Cameron, Global Justice Now! has been looking to set up youth groups in many universities that would be a good starting point for many students. He stresses the point of doing something, even if it’s dropping in and out of a local group. He also invites everyone to get involved with Global Justice Rebellion during the next Rebellion starting on 23rd May. Hayley informed everyone about the existing Extinction Rebellion group within the UEA and encouraged everyone to go along to meetings and support in any capacity they felt able to, be that direct action or helping in research etc. Catherine promotes the necessity of being politically active to help ensure that things such as the European environmental protections are still followed, she says that being involved with local politics is a good move, for instance the active local Green Party in Norwich. Also participating in the political groups at UEA such as Young Greens and Young Labour was mentioned. What do you think the UEA and other universities could do to aid the cause of Environmental Activism? Catherine highlights the importance of universities allowing freedom of speech and to not let them restrict the right to learn about and practise activism. Hayley feels that universities should support the right to protest and include environmental issues within all curriculums and education is key. Cameron encourages universities to support anyone being environmentally active and becoming pro-active in not allowing fossil fuel companies on campus or linked to the university. Florence believes in the integration of education across universities and to use social media platforms to spread the message that you need to help. After this section of the workshop, questions were opened up to the audience which sparked some discussions regarding lifestyles that would benefit the environment. A conversation began over whether leading a vegan lifestyle was beneficial, Hayley took the approach that veganism should be carefully considered as the individual should maintain a healthy diet for themselves but that it was a personal choice. Hayley also commented that, despite the environmental drawbacks of animal farming, the animals raised for meat were a part of the ecosystem so an extreme approach may damage the environment however she does approve of the pro-environmental aspects of veganism. The next question from the audience was concerning equality in activism, specifically relating to the worries of having a harsher treatment if arrested and non-White or of non-British nationality. There was a unanimous view among the speakers that the experience of being arrested differs heavily depending on your ethnicity and situation, such as being disabled, and that the individual should make sure to be fully aware of their rights and any laws in place that help to protect them and that no one should participate in something that they do not feel comfortable with or that is a risk towards them. After a brief interlude, in which I overheard many passionate conversations regarding the topics previously discussed, the group split into two and went to separate rooms. The group which I stayed with reviewed student climate activism in Norwich and local environmental groups and companies. This subject provoked some engaging debates between the group, which consisted mainly of students, each educational institute that members of the group attended had a different approach to the ongoing climate and environmental issues. For the last activity everyone shared what they had gained from the experience, each person had a unique take on what the workshop had provided them and everyone appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed it. Jiles Reading, Work Experience Student in DEV Dear all,
The next climate strike is tomorrow, and Do Something Different Week starts on Monday; there’s lots to get involved with in the next two weeks! Dates for the Diary ‘Big Shift Big Day’ on Sustainability on Friday 14th February UEA is holding a ‘Big Shift Big Day’ to inform the 2020-25 five-year sustainability plan on Friday 14th February. There will be drop-in sessions for staff and students from 8:30-9:00am, 12:30-1:30pm and 5:00-5:30pm in the Thomas Paine Study Centre Foyer. Please come along to share your ideas and let UEA know that sustainability is a priority for us! If you can’t make any of the drop-ins, you can share your ideas (and support others’ ideas) online here: https://padlet.com/samuel_cross/vfuqugzbnoir Climate Strike on Friday 14th February The Norfolk School Strikers are calling on adults to join them for their ‘love-themed’ Climate Strike on Friday 14th February. The School Strikers will be meeting in front of City Hall from 1:00pm for a rally! If you plan to join the rally and don’t want to travel into town on your own, please meet at 12:00pm behind the Student Union Building (entrance near Congregation Hall) to travel into town together by bike and bus. ‘What is the Best Diet for the Economy?’ Lecture 26th February The first of this ‘What is the Best Diet?’ series of public lectures hosted by UEA will focus on the economy. Whilst this is perhaps of less interest to many environmentalists, it may be a good idea to be aware of different sides of the argument on diet, or how this could be used to support arguments that we already make. This lecture will be given by Dr Stefan Penczynski (Economics, UEA) and Mike and Joe Hill (One Planet Pizza) from 6:00-8:00pm in the Julian Study Centre on Wednesday 26th February. Extinction Rebellion UEA Bob’s Big Quiz Social 16th February Work hard, play hard; XR UEA will be meeting at the SU Blue Bar from 7:00pm this Sunday 16th February to take part in Bob's Big Quiz. Come along to get to know your fellow environmental activists! Climate and Environmental Activism Workshop 20th February XR UEA is hosting a Climate and Environmental Activism Workshop on Thursday 20th February from 1:00-5:00pm as part of Doing Something Different Week. Representatives of the UK Student Climate Network, the Global Justice Rebellion, CHAIN (Climate Hope Action In Norfolk), and former Green MEP Catherine Rowett will join us for a discussion around the challenges and opportunities of climate and environmental activism. The day will also include a series of hands-on workshops around non-violent direct action, communication with the media, and building solidarity with social movements in the Global South. The workshop coincides with the first day of strike action by UCU members therefore the workshop will be held in the SU in Bookable Room 1 (UH 1.15B), so striking colleagues won’t have to cross a picket line to attend. Induction 21st February There will be an XR induction fr 5:00-6:30pm on Friday 21st February in Queens 0.13. This is a great opportunity to learn about how XR works if you're new to the group, and to start getting more involved. UEA Vegan Society Potluck Movie Night 24th February Vegan Society’s next monthly potluck is on Monday 24th February in Bookable Room 6 from 7:30pm. This month they will be watching Madagascar so get cooking and baking (or to the SU shop) and bring along some vegan goodies to share whilst watching the animals as they 'move it, move it'. Vegan Society Hits Town 27th February UEA Vegan Society are hosting a night out starting in the SU bar at 8:00pm on Thursday 27th February, then going into Norwich to make the most of student night deals and heading to Loft to finish the night. Come along at any point in the night to party with vegans; wear any animal-themed clothing or costumes you have, or just wear something green to represent Vegan Society. To come to events please purchase membership from the SU website: https://www.uea.su/opportunities/society/10598/ Services and Promotions UEA VegBox VegBox is a scheme that delivers fresh, organic and local produce to UEA every Wednesday. The fruit and vegetables provided are fresh, organic, and mostly seasonal and local, so ordering from VegBox supports local and organic farming, as well as reducing plastic packaging. Check out the society page here for more information: https://www.uea.su/opportunities/society/vegbox/ UEA Food Co-Op The Food Co-Op is a not-for-profit, student-run service that buys in wholesale food and sells it on to students at low prices. All stock is vegan and includes nuts, grains, and dried fruits, as well as tinned goods, nut butter, and plant milks. The stall can be found in the Hive on Wednesdays from 12-4pm. For more information take a look at the society page: https://www.uea.su/opportunities/society/ueastudentfoodcoop/ Please help us improve this newsletter by submitting any relevant content or suggestions for improvements to [email protected]. We also welcome contributions to our newly set-up UEA Sustainability Blog: https://ueasustainabilitynetwork.weebly.com/blog Please get in touch with any relevant content. Finally, we welcome new members of the editorial team! Please get in touch if you can lend a hand. Thank you! Em, Henry & Hannah Dear all,
One month into 2020, UEA has plenty to offer when it comes to sustainability actions and events. Read on for climate strikes and outreach stalls, open lectures and low-waste food services! Dates for the diary ‘Big Shift Big Day’ on Sustainability on Friday 14th February UEA is holding a ‘Big Shift Big Day’ to inform the 2020-25 five-year sustainability plan on Friday 14th February. There will likely be drop-in sessions for staff and students in addition to an online consultation. Watch this space for more updates on this exciting opportunity to input into UEA’s future sustainability policies. Climate Strike on Friday 14th February The Norfolk School Strikers are calling on adults to join them for their ‘love-themed’ Climate Strike on Friday 14th February. The School Strikers will be meeting in front of City Hall from 1:00pm for a rally, and rumour has it there will be free biscuits and cake! If you plan to join the rally and don’t want to travel into town on your own, please meet us at 12:00pm behind the Student Union Building (entrance near Congregation Hall) to travel into town together by bike and bus. Upcoming talks at UEA
Congratulations! In November 2019, UEA hosted the Students for Global Health National Conference ‘Vital Signs: Our Planet, Our Health’, wherein over 150 student delegates, expert voices and professional partners came together to share knowledge and skills around the climate change agenda. Please check out our blog for a write-up of the day. The Students for Global Health conference and coordinated theme are now being collectively nominated as the UK entry for an international award given to the most impactful project run by students. Many congratulations to the students who organised this inspiring event! Updates from different groups and societies Extinction Rebellion UEA
Animal Rebellion UEA
UEA Vegan Society
UEA VegBox
UEA Food Co-Op
Please help us improve this newsletter by submitting any relevant content or suggestions for improvements to [email protected]. We also welcome contributions to our newly set-up UEA Sustainability Blog: https://ueasustainabilitynetwork.weebly.com/blog Please get in touch with any relevant content. Finally, we welcome new members of the editorial team! Please get in touch if you can lend a hand. Thank you! Em, Henry & Hannah On Saturday 16th-Sunday 17th November 2019 the University of East Anglia (UEA) hosted the Students for Global Health National Conference Vital Signs: Our Planet, Our Health, wherein over 150 student delegates, expert voices and professional partners came together to share knowledge and skills around the climate change agenda. Drawing on UEA’s existing commitment to far-reaching research and training in this area, the conference was delivered in The Enterprise Centre, a state-of-the-art sustainable structure at the heart of the Norwich campus and opened by Professor Dylan Edwards, Chair of the UEA Sustainability Board.
The main conference consisted of a phasic storyline about climate change and health, supported by carefully arranged plenary talks, small group workshops, stalls and training. Plenary talks addressed a diverse range of well-documented issues including Emerging Infectious Diseases, Air Pollution & Cities and Green Spaces; breakout sessions expanded the scope still further covering Fossil-free Healthcare, Green Politics and Sustainable Enterprise. During breaks attendees were able to network with each other and, at stalls, explore collaboration opportunities with national and event partners including Extinction Rebellion and The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene. Attendees also participated in Breathe with Me, an art action for the world prototyped at United Nations Headquarters earlier in the year. Finally, to provide attendees with the necessary skills to create change, experienced and certified trainers delivered a number of popularly requested modules including Leadership, Motivation and Policymaking. While we are proud of the really positive impact the conference has had on everyone involved, we recognise sustainability is a classic wicked problem that demands continued focus from generations to come. And every individual can contribute to powerful system-wide change: there are no right or wrong actions, only better or worse actions. For our part, we at Students for Global Health UK will maintain a long-term commitment to education, advocacy and action around the climate change agenda through our Coordinated Theme initiative, a means of coordinating and supporting all 32 local branches to deliver events and campaigns. The UEA branch is one piece of an international student network. We welcome students from all disciplines to come and support our local initiatives, and to get in touch via email or social media to find out more about national and international opportunities. Article by James Broadbent, student at UEA Dear all
Welcome to the first edition of our UEA Sustainability Newsletter! We aim to update you fortnightly on sustainability-related news and events at UEA and in Norwich. Please send any feedback and content for the next edition to [email protected] and help us widen the reach of this initiative by inviting others to subscribe to the newsletter here: https://ueasustainabilitynetwork.weebly.com/newsletter.html Global Climate Strike on Friday 29th November Millions have taken to the streets in global climate crisis protests in September. In Norwich thousands joined the local rally on 20th September. Another Global Climate Strike has been called for Friday 29th November and we hope it'll be even bigger! The UEA Extinction Rebellion group, with support from several student societies, Student Union officers, and UCU organises a “UEA Rally & Ride in Support of the Global Climate Strike” on 29th November. There will be a short rally on campus in Earlham Park near the Security Lodge (across the road from the Sportspark) from 11am with speeches, poetry and an open mic. From 12pm, there will be a critical mass bike ride to the city centre to join the rally there (starting at 1pm outside City Hall). Those of us who don't have bikes can go as a group by public transport. If you’d like to show some support to the Student Strikers, please sign this open letter asking school principals in Norfolk to restrain from disciplining students who join the protests. CSED UEA’s Centre for Staff and Educational Development (CSED) have just pledged to only buy tea for office supplies from companies that do not use plastic in their teabags or packaging. Hopefully this great decision will inspire others to follow suit! UEA Sustainability Board Prof Dylan Edward, Chair of the Sustainability Board, attended the launch last week of the ‘Climate Commission for UK Higher and Further Education Leaders’ in London. This is being put together by currently 4 organisations representing all of FE and HE – the EAUC, UUK, GuildHE and the Association of Colleges. Efforts are being made to get NUS to also become a commissioning organization. Many students attended and the plan is to engage student organisations. It is to be a 12 month initiative with an end point at COP26 in Glasgow in 2020. There are to be focussed events and workshops - watch this space for updates!. Climate-related election hustings in Norwich The general election is approaching quickly. Climate Hope Action Norwich (CHAIN) is hosting a hustings ahead of the election on “The Climate Election: Candidates on the Climate Emergency” on the evening of the Global Climate Strike (29th Nov) from 7-8.30pm at St Mary Magdalene’s Church. The Norwich Quakers are holding a “Quaker Question Time on Peace and Climate Change” on 4th December at the Friends Meeting House from 7-9pm. UEA Vegan Society UEA Vegan Society is a compassionate and welcoming community that aims to expand the reach and message of veganism throughout UEA and Norwich through education, activism, and constant support. The society is open to all; there is no requirement to be vegan to join. Collaboration with Coeliac and Gluten-Free Society: 11am-2pm Saturday 30th November, KindaKafe UEA Vegan Society are collaborating with Coeliac and Gluten-Free Society for lunch and board games at KindaKafe. Christmas Dinner: 7pm Tuesday 3rd December, Erpingham House Erpingham House has a mouthwatering Christmas Menu this year, so book your ticket for an evening of Christmas delights. Order your meal here by Saturday 30th November. Tickets limited. Animal Rebellion UEA & Norwich Animal Rebellion is a mass volunteer movement using non-violent civil disobedience to end the animal agricultural and fishing industries, halt mass extinction and minimise the risk of climate breakdown and social collapse. AR Norwich Climate Urgency, Animal Emergency, and What to do about it Talk: 7-9pm Wednesday 27th November, Erpingham House, 22 Tombland, NR3 1RF Norwich. AR UEA Meeting: 12-1pm Tuesday 3rd December, Queens 0.13 AR Norwich Meeting: 6-8pm Monday 9th December, Re.Source Extinction Rebellion UEA & Norwich After the rally in the city centre on Friday 29th November, the Extinction Rebellion is planning a Black Friday Sale Action from 3-5pm (meet at The Forum). If you are new to Extinction Rebellion and would like to learn more about the organisation, an Introductory Session will be held on Thursday 5th December 7-9pm at Heathfield Student Community Home. Please help us improve this newsletter by submitting any relevant content or suggestions for improvements to [email protected]. We also welcome contributions to our newly set-up UEA Sustainability Blog: https://ueasustainabilitynetwork.weebly.com/blog Please get in touch with any relevant content. Finally, we welcome new members to the editorial team! Please get in touch if you can lend a hand. Thank you! Em, Henry & Hannah UEA sustainability network is not a society. It exists to connect students and staff with climate and environment related news at UEA (or in the Norwich area). We are starting with an email newsletter, social media, and a blog too for longer content.
We want to give societies a way to share their events and other news with a larger audience of students and staff interested in climate and environmental issues. As well as this, our blog will feature posts submitted by students, alongside society content, and updates from the sustainability network team. Here's some more detail about the newsletter for societies: The newsletter will contain a short introduction about general climate/environmental news and sustainability news at UEA. This will be followed by sections written by each society sharing any of their own (climate related) news and events. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUBMIT CONTENT FOR EVERY NEWSLETTER TO BE PART OF THE SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK. If you have news/events to share, write a short description (with location, time, etc. for events) and send it to [email protected] where we (a small group of students and staff) will add it to the next newsletter. The newsletter will be published every two weeks on Friday, and the deadline for your content to be included is the wednesday before the newsletter is published. If you do not meet this deadline content may be added to the next newsletter unless it is no longer relevant. |
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