Several universities and other higher education institutions around the world have signed a letter to acknowledge the severity of climate change. The letter will be delivered to the COP 25 climate meeting organised in Spain in December. The University of Turku and the Student Union of the University of Turku have signed the letter.
Through their research, education, and societal impact, universities have a key role in combating climate change. Universities offer reliable research information for a starting point of decision-making and sustainable operational cultures and educate experts following the principles of sustainable development for the needs of society. At universities, also new concrete solutions to combat climate change are developed.
Through the international SDG Accord stating the commitment to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals and other organisations and networks, several universities around the world have signed the letter to acknowledge the severity of climate change. In the letter, the universities commit to supporting research and education on climate change, carbon neutrality goal, and the roles of sustainable development and responsibility in campus development and regional collaboration. The letter will be delivered to the key government officials and the media participating in the COP 25 climate meeting held in Madrid in December.
– The University of Turku actively supports the work against climate change with research and education. For example, our researchers develop new technological solutions on clean energy production needed in combating climate change, says Rector of the University of Turku Jukka Kola.
– In order to solve the environmental and climate crisis, we need immediate actions. It’s unbearable that we young people and students don’t have the resources to build our future. We need science and research in order for us all to save the planet and make a difference. We demand the decision-makers to take action, says Chair of the Executive Board Sini Saarinen from the Student Union of the University of Turku.
In accordance with the decision made by the University Board of the University of Turku a year ago, the University commits to taking measures to make the University carbon neutral by the end of 2025. As a part of the University’s climate work, the Steering Group for Sustainable Development has appointed a project group to calculate the carbon footprint of the University and to plan decreasing emissions and possible compensation actions. Also the Student Union of the University of Turku is currently calculating its own carbon footprint.
