Tensions and controversy are rising surrounding COP-27 this coming weekend and it remains unclear whether Rishi will attend. Running from Sun
day 6th to Friday 18th of November, and held in Egypt, we got an introduction to COP-27 from our members of the Sustainability Board and found out what they were hoping to see achieved!
Our Mile End Sustainability Officer and Representative also give us their best tips to be more sustainable on campus.
Amelie – Sustainability Officer
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Amelie Barone, a second year English and French Law student and Sustainability officer for this academic year!
What is COP27 and why is it important to Queen Mary Students?
The COP27 – standing for Conference of the Parties - is the 27th supreme decision-making forum of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will bring governments together to discuss how to address climate change and its impacts on our societies. Topics that will be discussed will include delivering support for countries to deal with loss and damage caused by climate change and countries’ commitment to keep under a rise of 1.5-2 degrees Celsius.
COP27 is important to Queen Mary Students as the outcomes will highlight how seriously the climate crisis is being taken by countries worldwide and what the future could look like.
What wasn't achieved at COP26 that you'd like to see happen at COP27?
What was not achieved at COP26 and I would like to see happen, is to answer the call from poorer nations for financial support to firstly, adapt to the effects of climate change and secondly, to finance a transition towards greener energy
What are your top sustainable tips to students wanting to be more sustainable at Queen Mary?
Try to opt for more sustainable food, eat seasonal food and check for palm oil in your food! Turn off the lights, water and heater when you are not using them/in the room. Attend events to increase your awareness and understanding!
Leilani - Sustainability Rep
Tell us a bit about you
I'm a third-year psychology student and the Sustainability Representative for the Mile End campus. I'm passionate about protecting the environment and always trying to live more sustainably!
What is COP27?
COP27 is the 27th Conference of Parties for making decisions related to climate change. This is important for everyone, including Queen Mary students, since climate change is affecting the whole world and COP brings attention to actions the governmental bodies should be taking.
What wasn’t done at COP26 that you’d like to see achieved at COP27?
I'm hoping we will actually commit to starting no more fossil fuel projects in COP27.
What are your tips to QM students wanting to be more sustainable?
My number one tip to be more sustainable is to reduce your unnecessary waste! See what reusable swaps you can make to stop things from being produced only to end up in landfills. This can be applied in a lot of aspects of your life, so have a look at where you can make changes by reading blogs and going to zero waste shops (there's one on the Mile End campus!)
If you’re interested in getting involved in the work of the Sustainability Board or sustainability activities across the Students’ Union join our Green Mary Group or follow us on Instagram @QMULSustain.
If you want to represent sustainability at BL, both the officer and rep position are open, please email our Sustainability Coordinator at z.sturgess@qmul.ac.uk for more information.