A Climate Plan for everyone

Addressing climate change is not just about reducing emissions or conserving resources, it is about ensuring that the steps we take are fair, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.

This holistic approach to climate and environmental action is embedded in the University of Leeds Climate Plan. The University has now set up a Just Transitions Taskforce to champion these values, embedding equity, inclusivity and fairness in our climate strategy.

What is a Just Transition and how is it relevant for our University?

There is a growing call to ensure that climate transitions embed justice. Transitions to low carbon living will involve significant changes in our economy: some industries and jobs will be more affected than others, but transition will also impact across all areas of our lives, for example in how we heat our homes, move about, learn, make decisions about careers, support our families and so on. Efforts to decarbonise must include an understanding of the implications for different groups of people (and so too the implications of not acting) and engage diverse voices in addressing these impacts.

A just transition at the University of Leeds means more than focusing solely on our carbon footprint, it means that policies should be scrutinised through the lens of fairness, equity and inclusion and that decision making should be democratic and transparent. Fairness means acknowledging how the impacts and benefits of climate actions are distributed across different groups. Whether it’s adjusting academic schedules to reduce energy consumption or redesigning campus spaces to be more energy-efficient or accommodating of active travel, we want to see the diverse needs and circumstances of all affected groups being understood and considered. Equity and inclusion require us to address how different groups have varying resources and power, and how existing structures and norms influence who gets what, and who gets heard. For example, electric vehicle (EV) subsidies aim to reduce our carbon footprint but benefit those who can afford EVs, so such a policy should be contextualised within a wider package which supports other travel modes and greater equality.

Why does a Just Transition at the University of Leeds matter?

The pursuit of justice in climate policy and practice is not only a policy choice, but also a moral imperative that aligns with the University’s core values of collaboration, compassion, inclusivity and integrity. Firstly, it matters for student engagement with the Climate Plan. Students are not just the heart of our university; they are future leaders who will inherit the accelerating risks and burdens of climate change. Educating them in an environment that practices what it preaches about climate and justice prepares them to continue these efforts in their own careers and communities.

Secondly, climate justice is important to the University’s engagement with local, regional and international communities and organisations. The University is a leader in developing new partnership models (such as the UK Climate Commissions) and by working with our partner organisations we hope to share learning, build further collaboration and work towards step change beyond the university.

Thirdly, climate justice is an important element in the University’s leadership role, demonstrating how academic institutions can lead by example in ethical climate action. By integrating justice into our climate strategy, we hope to inspire other organizations to adopt similar practices, thereby amplifying the impact of our initiatives and setting a standard for responsible leadership in addressing global challenges.

Finally, it is our hope that by actively addressing issues of fairness, equity and inclusion in our Climate Plan, we can foster a campus culture that respects and reflects the diverse needs and values of all its members, and help to make acting on climate change relevant to everyone as part of a collective endeavour to address the climate crisis.

The Taskforce, and how you can contribute

At the heart of our efforts to embed justice in the Climate Plan is the Just Transitions Taskforce, a team of dedicated individuals from across the University who bring a range of expertise and perspectives. Our Justice champions will work closely with the Climate Plan delivery teams who are responsible for delivering the Plan, and staff and student representatives will support our broader aims, to be delivered through a range of engagement events and strategies. We want to see the Just Transitions Taskforce become a catalyst for change, driving us towards a future where the University of Leeds is not only known for its action on climate but also for its unwavering commitment to equity and justice.

Your involvement is key to our success. Whether you are a University of Leeds student, employee or part of the wider University community, there are many ways to engage with the Taskforce’s work. We are actively seeking undergraduate students to join the Taskforce as representatives and help ensure that our initiatives reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of University of Leeds students. Join our upcoming events and activities to contribute to vital discussions and help shape the direction of our initiatives. For more information, access the Taskforce SharePoint, or join our Teams community to hear about opportunities to get involved. Stay informed and involved by following updates from The Priestley Centre and help us promote equitable climate action across our community.

This blog was written by Dr Clare Richardson-Barlow and Professor Sarah Irwin