COP26 may have concluded, but the conversation on climate change has never been more urgent or important. We therefore invite all staff, students, and members of our wider Hertfordshire community to join us at our College Lane Campus for a free conference to explore the causes, implications and considerations of climate change in the wake of COP26.
The conference spans three days (19 November, 26 November and 3 December) and will include insights and perspectives from academic, policy, commercial, and activist speakers on the solutions, challenges and opportunities associated with the demands of a sustainable future. You can join us for all 3 days, or just specific sessions of your choice via the link below.
If you have any questions about the conference, contact our Sustainability team.
Day 1 – Race to zero, the global and local perspective plus legal, political, social and scientific considerations
Race to zero: Global to local
19 November 2021, 10.00 - 12.30
Opening remarks: Vice-Chancellor Quintin McKellar
T-shirts on for an Arctic heatwave; messages to all from the climate change front line - Dr Phil Porter, Associate Dean Education and Reader in Geoscience and Geoscience Education at University of Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire Sustainability Strategy - Julie Greaves and Tanya Pascual, Hertfordshire County Council
The University of Hertfordshire Climate Vision and Sustainability Agenda - Monica Kanwar, Director of Health, Safety & Sustainability at University of Hertfordshire.
Race to zero: Legal, political, social, and scientific considerations
19 November 2021, 14.00 - 16.00
Opening remarks: Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Matthew Weait
Climate Change Governance: COP26 and the Sustainable Development Goals - Dr Chamu Kuppuswamy, Senior Lecturer, Hertfordshire Law School
Without Glasgow, what hope is there for further domestic action? - James Fotherby, Policy Adviser, Green Alliance
Climate Change modelling and projections - Dr Raj Tiwari, University ECR fellow and Programme Lead on Climate Interaction and Future Changes.
Day 2 – Sustainable energy, food and transport
Sustainable food
26 November 2021, 10.00 - 11.30 (online)
Making space for food and sustainability - Assoc Prof Susan Parham, Director at University of Hertfordshire Urbanism Unit
Social, economic, and cultural considerations of sustainable foods - Dr Laura Hamilton, Research Fellow, Food and Public Health, University of Hertfordshire
Mindful Chef's journey to net zero - Emma Detain, Sustainability Manager, Mindful Chef.
Energy in the community
26 November 2021, 12.30 - 14.00 (online)
Chaired by Ian Grimes, Director Of Estates, University of Hertfordshire
Greentown: exploring the feasibility of zero-fossil-fuel UK towns - Prof Mike Page, Professor of Cognitive Psychology at University of Hertfordshire
Transitioning to renewable energy - Nameerah Hameed, Policy Advisor and Director Women in Energy Pakistan
Energy in new housing - Prof John Sturzaker, Ebenezer Howard Chair of Planning at University of Hertfordshire.
Sustainable transport
26 November 2021, 15.00 - 16.30 (online)
Chaired by Prof Ranjeet Sokhi, Professor of Atmospheric Physics, and Director of Centre for Climate Change Research (C3R)
Sustainable transport after COP26 - Prof. Stephen Joseph OBE, Transport Policy Adviser, Smart Mobility Research Unit
Can transport be truly decarbonised? - Trevor Brennan, Hertfordshire County Council
Get on board for an even cleaner future - Ed Cameron, Commercial Manager, UNO bus.
Day 3 – The role of activism, green education and the younger generation in tackling climate change
Generation green
03 December 2021, 10.00 - 11.30 (online)
Welcome from Mairi Watson, Pro-Vice Chancellor Education and Student Experience
Awareness and activism in climate crisis: the role of young people - Victoria Udeh, Former Miss Goodwill Nigeria Climate Change Ambassador 2016
Lessons from COP26 and Way Forward, the role of youth, knowledge and education - Orimoloye Ayoola, Alumni at the University of Hertfordshire, UK and Environmental Advocate
Being a sustainability driven graduate - why it is important, and why employers love it - Sarah Flynn, Associate Director of Learning and Teaching at the University.
Our conference venue is mechanically ventilated and currently operating at 75% of normal capacity. While the Government have removed all legal obligations for face coverings, they are still strongly recommending their use in busy public spaces. As such, we would encourage all our attendees to use a face covering when moving around the University, including in the conference venue.
