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The Arts & Humanities in Action: Shaping a Sustainable Future

Join us for an inspiring evening of discovery, dialogue, and open conversation as we explore the essential role of the Arts & Humanities in addressing the climate crisis and building a sustainable future. Timed to coincide with the global conversation around COP29, this event brings together thought leaders, researchers, and changemakers from across the university to show how the Arts & Humanities drive environmental action. With extended Q&A sessions throughout the event, this is your chance to share your ideas, ask questions, and make your voice heard on the issues that matter most.

The event is open to students, academics, and anyone passionate about sustainability and the climate crisis. We’re keen to create a platform for a wide range of different perspectives and experiences.

‘Can We Fly Less?’: A workshop on flying, academia, climate impact and flying-less alternatives:

Stephen Allen, Renee Timmers, & Matt Watson 

In this workshop, we invite you to think about the role of flying in work, study and academia, to consider its climate impact and alternatives to flying. The accompanying exhibition considers different standpoints towards flying, seeing the opportunities and risks it brings. Due to the climate emergency, we need to reconsider behaviours of flying. This is not without challenges and controversy. Together we will consider alternatives as well as the challenges to adopting them.

Postgraduate Researchers DIscussion Panel & Q&A: Shaping the Future of Sustainability

Sally Derrett, Lois Gill, Megan Lewis, Carien Smith

This panel will take a look at some of the wonderful postgraduate research currently being produced in the faculty, covering a wide range of perspectives and issues. Expect insights into the experience of young researchers setting out on ambitious research projects on daunting topics, the relationship between creative and academic work, and what the future holds for climate conscious academics.

Established Academic Panel & Q&A: Education, the role of Art & Humanities in the Climate Crisis, and the value of COP:

Prof Joanna Gavins, Dr Peter Matanle, Dr Agnes Rydberg

This panel will discuss the crucial role of the Arts & Humanities in understanding and addressing the climate crisis. This panel will explore how education can drive climate action, the unique insights the humanities bring to environmental challenges, and the significance of international efforts like COP. The panel will end with an extended Q&A session designed to give voice to your perspectives on this urgent global issue.

Film Screening:

Enjoy a special screening of 'What is Sustainability?', a documentary showcasing the sustainability-focused teaching and research happening across the Arts & Humanities faculty.

Why Attend?

This will be a platform for passionate discussion and meaningful exchange, open to anyone passionate about the climate crisis. With extended Q&A segments, attendees are encouraged to bring their questions, share their ideas, and have their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them. Let’s explore together how the Arts & Humanities can lead us to a more sustainable future.

Schedule

3:30pm - Arrivals/Welcome

3:45pm - Can We Fly Less? Interactive Workshop

4:30pm - PGR Discussion Panel & Q&A

5:20pm - Established Academic Discussion Panel & Q&A

6:10pm - ‘What is Sustainability?’ Film Screening