We write as the current co-chairs of the Advocates for Climate Task Force (ACT), to raise the profile of the ACT and to invite your input. The ACT was set-up in 2021 to support the University in meeting its sustainability commitments by providing academic expertise and supporting the development and delivery of Sustainability Action Plans for Faculties and Professional Services Divisions.
The ACT reports to the University’s high-level Climate and Environmental Crisis Board which is co-chaired by the Provost (Dan Charman) and the Registrar (Mike Shore-Nye). Members of the ACT advise on sustainability issues related to our university’s Faculties, activities and functions (such as education, research, student engagement, professional services, global enhancement).
In addition, the ACT coordinates the work of a number of Task & Finish groups which make recommendations related to specific climate and environment issues. The T&F groups to date have included ones looking at carbon emissions from staff travel and student fieldtrips, carbon offsetting, and nature positive approaches. The ACT has supported the Guild, and Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union to achieve Responsible Futures accreditation .There are also two new T&F groups just getting underway which are focusing on Climate Adaptation, and Culture Change.
The ACT works very closely with the University’s Sustainability Team which is very ably led by Jo Chamberlain, to keep our university moving towards more environmentally sustainable ways of operating. A key recent example of this close working relationship is the new climate strategy for our university, which is soon to be published. In general. good progress is being made, but this now needs to be accelerated through wider engagement. So, if you are interested in sustainability issues at the university, we invite you to connect to the ACT through us as co-chairs, or any of the very committed members of the ACT.