Animal Studies students at Stamford College, part of the Inspire Education Group, tuned in to watch the premier of a broadcast by the National History Museum and Greta Thunberg, titled, ‘Greta Thunberg in conversation: Tackling biodiversity loss and climate change’.
The prolific climate activist had previously visited the London Museum, which exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history, to meet with students of London schools to discuss biodiversity, the climate crisis, eco anxiety and possible solutions to these problems. To engage with a wider audience, Greta’s talk was televised, publicising her thoughts on topics such as protesting and climate justice. During the première, the Museum’s staff members, biodiversity researcher Dr Adriana De Palma, and Science Communicator Dr Khalil Thirlaway, were also on hand to answer the YouTube audience’s questions.
In the Association of College’s Climate Action Roadmap for Further Education Colleges, we are reminded that climate change and ecological destruction are some of the biggest challenges of our time. Colleges have a moral duty to act, and Inspire Education Group’s Inspiring Sustainability Green Plan outlines the Group’s efforts towards reducing emissions, improving our natural environment and reducing the consumption of resources. Innovative opportunities to educate the younger generation, such as this ground-breaking premier, do not go amiss, as explained by Animal Studies lecturer, Mikalia Johnson, said “As an FE provider, we have an important role to play in all aspects of sustainability. The broadcast with The National History Museum and Greta Thunberg highlighted climate change, sustainability and biodiversity loss, allowing our students to understand the causes, then translate this knowledge into positive actions and solutions”.
