Ambassadors of Earth

Students search for young people who share their passion for preserving the planet
conceptual scene: metamorphosis of our planet, transition from a green environment to the hostile and arid climate due to climate change

“We all leave ‘footprints’ on this planet and with the human population exponentially growing, the role we each play in taking responsibility for our actions grows with it.”

Education and awareness plays a vital role in the global response to the climate emergency. With that in mind, and ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), a group of students from the School of Biological and Marine Sciences are launching a project to create a network of Ambassadors of Earth.

Targeted initially at sixth-form students, the initiative aims to recruit 100 young people who will be encouraged to pledge their support for the planet through a series of activities in their school or local community. The project seeks to inspire individuals and the communities around them, changing perceptions on how our actions can create a better future for our environment.

It has successfully been accepted to be part of the Global University Climate Forum, a six-month programme which brings student activists together to share ideas, learn, connect, and act on the global imperative of addressing climate change.

Sancha Conway Holroyd
Sancha Conway Holroyd
William Jones
William Jones
Lauren Pollard
Lauren Pollard
Mark Turner
Mark Turner

“Modern day youth are passionate about the environment, however there are few projects which allow them to address problems and think creatively about solutions, or gain recognition for their efforts”

The 100 young people will be encouraged to take on four stages of activities between December 2020 and May 2021:

  • 'Helping your environment' (physical level) – must engage in at least 15 hours of environmentally beneficial activities.
  • 'Reaching into your community' (social level) – must choose a topic/issue/theme in relation to the natural world, with the aim of creating a social awareness project to deliver to family/friends/school/community.
  • 'Thinking into the future' (dynamic level) – select a modern climate/environmental issue and provide a creative solution on how to alleviate the pressure. Solutions offered can range on who delivers it and scale of impact.
  • 'Pledge' – to promise their ongoing commitment to this planet. (Individual or school).

Fieldwork at Slapton Ley – BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

Over the course of the project, the students hope to:

  • <Increase engagement in environmental activities

  • <Create a sense of ownership in relation to Earth

  • <Overcome neo-climate denialism

  • <Increase public awareness of climate and environmental issues

  • <Reward young people for their commitment

  • <Encourage the continuation of their interest

  • <Add educational value

  • <Cultivate new-found passions and climate enthusiasts

The Global University Climate Forum

The Global University Climate Forum is a novel approach to engaging, inspiring, and connecting the next generation of climate leaders. There is a powerful and growing movement of college and university students stepping up and calling for climate action. This has the potential to change the course of history, and can be strengthened by transitioning to a model of collective action.

Find out more about the forum

Global University Climate Forum logo

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