We are calling for all post-16 education institutions and support bodies in the UK and Ireland to declare a Climate Emergency and to commit to the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendation to adopt as a minimum a 2050 net zero emissions target. We will collate the education sectors response to this and send to UK and Ireland Governments to lobby them to act and show the impact and leadership of our sector on this crucial agenda.

To reach net zero by 2050, it is critical the Government invests in the enabling infrastructure and skilled people required to ensure a low carbon society. Higher and Further Education is in a prime position to undertake much of the Research and Development needed to achieve net zero emissions as soon as possible and has a big role to play in educating and upskilling young people and those already in the workforce on decarbonisation.

Universities and colleges are working hard towards incredibly ambitious carbon reduction targets, with 80 UK institutions committed to divesting from fossil fuels already. We will continue to work with institutions to ensure they fulfil their potential on this topic.

As we have seen from the recent Youth Strikes and Academic support for Extinction Rebellion, the time is right to make a stand and show the education sector is an integral part of the solution. We will support our members on this journey.

• Declare a climate emergency – watch this webinar if you want to know how others have achieved this
• Pledge net zero emissions
• Divest from fossil fuels
• Create a cross departmental steering group within your institution to engage staff, academics and students to form real actions and change
• Undertake a climate change risk analysis for your institution and work out your action plan

Let us know at info@eauc.org.uk.