In 2023, there were record sea surface temperatures and sea level rise. Carbon dioxide levels are 50 % higher than the pre-industrial era, trapping heat in the atmosphere. Although the UK government spent £1.40 billion in 2022/23, CPI estimates we'll (worldwide) need to invest $266 trillion between now and 2050 to ‘limit and adapt to climate change’. Currently, countries are not doing enough in order to ensure that we can reach this goal.
By 2050, OECD estimates that global greenhouse gases will increase by 50% without new policies. This dramatic increase in statistics calls for global action, but yet isn’t receiving press in first-world countries who can afford to make the changes.
Of course, students at university can't solve climate change completely- but there are several ways that Newcastle University can help with tackling climate change on a smaller scale. One of the most noticeable problems is the amount of paper the university prints everyday for lectures. Sheets of paper (that are also on the slideshow) are given out to students, or unused, and then thrown away into the nearest bin.
The amount of paper that is being wasted is unnecessary, and there are very few (or no) recycling bins in many buildings around campus. Another alternative to this problem would be using recycled paper, which helps to minimise the number of trees cut down and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Food wastage is also commonplace and should be more recognised at universities. A study has found that younger people are more likely to be creating the majority of the waste than older generations. It is our responsibility to budget, and use the food that we buy before its expiry date. Giving other flatmates food that you know you won’t eat or sharing meals is a cost-effective way to make food.
Similarly, another massive waste commonly found in student housing is electricity or water waste. Turning off lights and making sure that the tap in the kitchen isn’t left on significantly reduces your carbon footprint. Although it might seem pointless, small acts such as turning down the heating when you’re out of the house can all add up.
Climate change has been on the news for so long that it can sometimes seem pointless to even try. But we need to remember that the earth isn’t replaceable: we should all be paying more attention to how we treat it.