The time is now to learn about Climate Change
It’s time for real climate action
The recent COP 26 summit has united global leaders, environmental scientists and climate change experts from across the planet to inspire action and tackle climate change together. The conference, hosted in Glasgow from the 31st October to 12th November, aims to secure a brighter future for the next generation and will require countries to commit to a series of actions to recover, rebuild and restore our planet.
The summit involves 200 countries who will come together and detail their plans to cut emissions by 2030. This will move the conversation forward since the Paris Agreement in 2015[1] – where countries agreed to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius and aim for 1.5 degrees Celsius in attempt to avoid a climate catastrophe.
Whilst there were concerns regarding COVID-19 safety measures at the summit[2] with 25,000 delegates attending the Scottish event, the summit organisers and COP President wanted to ensure delegates and the public that rigorous safety measures and protocols were implemented to mitigate as much risk as possible.
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35073297
[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-59027744
But what will the summit actually address and how could it affect you?
Whilst some countries shared plans prior to the summit, other decisions will be made during the course of the twelve day summit such as the future of the electric car manufacturing industry, the accelerated phasing out of coal power and reducing how many trees we cut down.
Outcomes of the summit could impact our daily lives in the future and could also impact upon individuals’ behaviour in attempt to becoming a more sustainable consumer. Examples of these changes could include pursuing housing insulation, switching to an electric vehicle, using public transport more or choosing to be a more eco-conscious traveller.
Climate action at Glyndŵr
Here at Glyndŵr, we have our own climate change activist and expert, David Sprake. David is the Programme Lead for BEng (Hons) Renewable and Sustainable Engineering at the University and has over twenty years’ experience of researching and teaching on issues such as climate change.
As a sustainability enthusiast, David is keen to clarify lots of misinformation that is shared – particularly online- about climate change. Because of this, David has written a brand-new short course ‘An Introduction to Climate Change’. The course, commencing on 11th November, will be delivered across six weeks, online and in-person and is open to anyone who has an interest in the environment and is curious to learn more.
The course will provide an overview of problems surrounding climate change, the causes, and the impact on the planet this is having. Covering the science behind global warming, addressing topical conspiracy theories, and learning about how human behaviour can positively impact the environment – the course will no doubt inform individuals how they can make a difference for the future. Not only this, but the course will also allow the cohort to discuss intensifying topical events such as flooding and wildfires.
The course format includes 2 hours a week on campus (or via a recorded lecture) and self-directed study time to further learning and access multi-media resources. The course cost is £95 and you can find out further information or book now via our website.
Looking to pursue a degree?
Whilst the Introduction to Climate Change short course is a fantastic opportunity to provide an initial overview to the climate crisis we’re facing, we also have other programmes (undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications) which can provide you with an Engineering degree to pursue your interests and equip you with skills and knowledge to later launch a career within renewable and sustainable industries. Our BEng (Hons) Renewable and Sustainable Engineering course tackles some of the biggest challenges facing mankind today; affordable energy, climate change, global warming, and pollution control. Available to study with an initial foundation year, the course is a fantastic opportunity for students who want to be at the forefront of new engineering and want to be a pioneer of long-term, cost-effective solutions.
Read more about the Renewable and Sustainable Engineering programme and keep up-to-date with the COP 26 news and outcomes via the official website.
#TogetherForOurPlanet
Written by Alice James, Faculty Engagement and Liason Officer at Wrexham Glyndŵr University.