School of Social & Environmental Sustainability

The University of Glasgow, School of Social & Environmental Sustainability, was host to over 300 people at the Crichton University Campus in Dumfries last weekend. COP26: Climate Action in South Scotland saw over 40 academic staff and invited guests speaking on the day, as well as interactive demonstrations and experiments for all ages, story weaving by Moat Brae, an environmentally themed puppet show, and the planting of 200 trees on the Crichton grounds.

Speaking on the event, Professor Carol Hill, Head of School and Director of Campus, said:

“I am delighted that we were able to put on such an engaging event for our communities. This was about more than amplifying the messages of COP26 locally; this was about a focus on collaboration and a shared understanding of the importance of these themes. We welcomed a diverse audience including families, local businesses, politicians, and leading experts from around the world; all with a shared ambition to not just talk about the changes that we all need to make, but to take action.”

The event was hosted at the University of Glasgow, School of Social & Environmental Sustainability based at the Crichton University Campus, but was also streamed online around the world. You can find more information at: www.glasgow.ac.uk/cop26dumfries

COP26: Climate Action in South Scotland

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October 2021 Event Announcement

Please note: this event has now ended and tickets are no longer available.

The University of Glasgow, School of Social & Environmental Sustainability, is bringing COP26 activities to Dumfries with an opportunity for the general public of all ages to get involved.  COP26: Climate Action in South Scotland is a free event which takes place at the Crichton University Campus on Saturday 6^th November from 10am – 4pm. 

COP26 is the 26^th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties which brings together world leaders in an effort to tackle climate change. While COP26 formally takes place in Glasgow from 31^st October – 12^th November, the University of Glasgow has a unique opportunity to bring the themes of the conference to a local audience.

The University has collaborated with a number of organisations to provide an exciting event programme for all ages.  With family activities throughout the day including interactive demonstrations and experiments led by University staff and students, there is something for everyone. Moat Brae Story Weavers will engage, enchant and educate families with their creative performances. Puppet show ‘SeedHeart’ by Indigo Moon Theatres tells the important tale of human impact on our once green planet. Watch as the story unfolds (literally) from a single suitcase and follow along as the story’s main character ‘Grey’ takes us on a journey towards a better future with magical pop-ups, puppetry and interactive scenes.

The schedule also includes presentations from over 40 academic staff and invited speakers, as well as expert panel discussions and opportunities for attendees to get their questions answered.

Speaking on the event, Professor Carol Hill, Head of School and Director of Campus, said “This event is the first opportunity for us to welcome our communities back onto campus since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are delighted to offer such an exciting programme of speakers, interactive experiments and creative performances for attendees of all ages.”

Visitors are invited to participate in a range of practical demonstrations including Ecosystem Explorers – discover a hidden world of insects and their homes in all the green spaces around you; Picturing Polar Bears – an activity exploring the role of art, creativity and environmental humanities in conversations about climate change; Creation of a bestiary – help to create an encyclopedia of wildlife through identifying, photographing and drawing wildlife from the University’s Teaching Garden; Explore alternative energy sources; examine the long term storage of carbon in peat; discover the active role of soils in the carbon cycle and much more!

A flagship activity during the day is the planting of trees on campus with an opportunity for visitors to leave a lasting legacy from COP26 right here in Dumfries.

Set within the historic 85-acre Crichton estate, the University of Glasgow has had a sustained presence in the town for over 20 years. From cutting edge research, to outstanding learning and teaching, the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability provides an opportunity to study at a world top 100 university while surrounding yourself with the natural beauty that our region offers. With a range of interdisciplinary subject offerings, the School is at the forefront of addressing environmental concerns in society. Programme choices include BSc Environmental Science & Sustainability, MA Primary Education with Teaching Qualification, and MA Health & Social Sector Leadership. In addition to these undergraduate offerings, the School delivers Taught Postgraduate Degrees across Environmental Science, Tourism, Education and End of Life Studies.

Professor Hill summarised the COP26 event: “The School of Social & Environmental Sustainability has a strong track record of welcoming visitors into the world of academia and inspiring future world changers. This event speaks not only to the current environmental and climate related challenges that we collectively face, but also to the opportunities that we have to take action. I believe that inspiring the leaders of tomorrow, while working with the businesses of today, will lead to positive change for a more sustainable future.”

First published: 7 November 2021