Just Transition seminar examines role of education in climate crises

At the start of the second week of COP26, City of Glasgow College, together with University College London’s Institute of Education (IOE), held a symposium exploring the vital role for colleges and universities in supporting a just transition to net zero.

The event brought together policymakers, business leaders, scholars, and activists to examine the role of further and higher education in advancing climate justice and just transitions.

Just transitions are the processes and outcomes that can lead to a net zero world and secure support for those who will be economically hit by this.

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College, was delighted to welcome colleagues, adding:

“The stakes for COP26 are indeed high and success by no means certain. However, we can all play our part and we all should. It’s not just all about global leaders and UN delegates. It has to be centred on what each of us, as individuals, will do.

“Our college sector will provide the up- and re-skilling that will drive regional economic development and recovery from the devastating impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, while moving Scotland to a carbon neutral economy. Our Just Transitions seminar rightly explores the important role tertiary education will play in tackling climate change, being technological incubators, and how the green, socially just and post-Covid-19 transitions intersect.”

Professor Ken Spours, UCL Institute of Education, in his stimulus paper for the climate conference argued that humanity is facing multiple crises, in which the climate emergency intersects with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and existing social and economic divisions.

He suggests that colleges and universities, working with a wide range of social partners, have a unique contribution and leadership role to play in local and regional Just Transition systems. Key to this are their capacities to develop both new skills and scientific knowledge and awareness, while also boosting education participation for all sections of the community.

The event was streamed live on YouTube with questions from those listening in and from the audience at the college’s City campus. Chaired by Dr Mike Cantlay, Chair Scottish Funding Council, speakers also included Professor Li Wei, Director, UCL Institute of Education, Catherine Fox, Ketan Dandare, Joy Perry, Lorena Sanchez Tyson, and Dr Charley Nussey, Research Fellow, Transforming Universities for a Changing Climate.