By Martin Flynn, Climate Action Leeds Project Coordinator for Voluntary Action Leeds
Figures recently quoted by the BBC suggest that Leeds hosts about 80,000 university students each year. Within that number is a huge range of experiences, perspectives, and knowledge - not just from the courses being studied but the different backgrounds and interests each student brings to our city.
That's why Climate Action Leeds (CAL) was delighted to work with the University of Leeds to host a "round table" event for students at the start of December.
In tandem with the university's Positive Impact Partners (PIP) Programme, we invited students of all levels to discuss key climate topics, efforts they've already made around these, and any barriers which have prevented them taking climate action.
By filling out a survey in advance, students had shown that the areas they were most interested in were food, energy, housing, and nature. There were fascinating conversations across all those topics, plus many others. Students spoke about how they are already acting on climate - including community litter picks and volunteering on family-focused outdoor projects in Hyde Park - as well as the stigma they sometimes hear around climate action, and the potential unfairness of feeling like their individual choices should be the whole solution to climate change.
We were fortunate that students attended from a range of courses, levels of study, and countries, which really enhanced the depth and quality of the conversation.
The students also heard from several CAL partners, including Sonja Woodcock of Zest Leeds, Lucy Meredith of Leeds Community Homes, and Beth Bingley of Together for Peace. Various possibilities for connecting CAL and student ideas are now being followed up.
Dr Rebecca Brunk, Sustainability Officer for the PIP Programme, said: "There was a great energy in the room, and it was lovely to speak to students who were clearly very passionate about sustainability and climate action.
"The students shared some really interesting perspectives, particularly around the need to balance their desire for climate action in their personal lives with the challenges of mitigating conflict with housemates, landlords, and their financial situations.
"It was a really eye-opening discussion, and I thank all the students who took the time to come and speak to us about climate action."
A student who shared their thoughts after the event added: "Very welcoming hosts who encouraged sharing ideas, and a great range of speakers which I learned a lot from."
Within CAL, we'll be looking back at the notes the students made to see how we can add these into our approach.
We'll also continue to share opportunities from across our programme with our contacts at Leeds universities, so students in the city have the option to get involved, gain new skills and experience, and bring their know-how and creativity to climate action across Leeds.
We want to support action students are already taking, discuss ways we can work together, and ensure they feel welcome to become part of CAL if they'd like to.
This is especially the case now that our climate action hub, Imagine Leeds, has opened again, with its new location in between the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and Leeds Arts University.
If you're a student and would like to discuss holding a climate-linked event at Imagine Leeds, or if you've got thoughts on what Climate Action Leeds should be doing, please get in touch via hello@climateactionleeds.org.uk or message us on our socials.
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