UWE Bristol has become the first in the UK to introduce a climate emergency course, following a campaign by students.
Students can opt for this course to understand the climate crisis, its causes and consequences and what measures they can take to mitigate and control the emissions.
It was developed after a successful campaign led by undergraduates Adam Edward and Harry O'Higgins.
If the pilot year is successful, the course would be developed as a full module for the 2024-25 academic year offering 10 credits counting towards students' final degree classification.
The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) says there is also potential to make the course available to members of the public. In 2022, UWE Bristol undergraduate students Adam Edwards and Harry O'Higgins launched a petition calling on the university to implement compulsory climate action education. They insisted that every student at UWE Bristol should have climate education as a part of their university curriculum and experience.
They were supported by the Students' Union and took their arguments to the University's Vice-Chancellor who agreed to the development of the course in close collaboration with students.
Traditionally, climate change modules have been limited to courses such as environmental sciences, geography, politics, wildlife ecology and conservation science in UK universities.
While some universities across the globe have developed some climate courses for all students, it is understood that no such detailed guide to climate change has been introduced at a UK university.
The objective behind formulation of this course is that there is an urgent need for the students to connect with the climate crisis and understand how it can affect the future. The personal and career growth of students and individuals will not look great on a warming planet.
The course has been developed by a team of representatives from Student’s Union, academic personnel and some professional advisors.