A conversation with Climate Justice Warwick

As the climate crisis continues to shape conversations around the world, a group of students at the University of Warwick is working to bring discussions closer to home. Climate Justice is a student-led activist group campaigning for a greener, more sustainable university, while encouraging collaboration on environmental issues across campus. From grassroots campaigns to local activism, the group is pushing for meaningful change at Warwick and neighbouring towns. The Boar spoke to the society’s president, Amy, about Climate Justice’s work and its vision for a more sustainable future.

Climate Justice is a campaigning society, working towards “an equitable future for all”

First and foremost, Climate Justice is a campaigning society, working towards what Amy calls “an equitable future for all”, particularly considering the effects of climate catastrophes. Climate Justice is part of the wider Left Network, a group of societies with similar ‘left political leanings’ that frequently collaborate on events and campaign work.

The first thing she tells me about is the campaigns they are working on – from ethical AI use last year to this year’s climate refugee initiative, Uprooted. “We also have lots of events to […] teach people more about the cause of the climate crisis and what we can do about it, to hopefully make it less scary.”

When I asked Amy what made her want to join Climate Justice, she told me she wanted to have a more ‘practical’ side to her studies in Global Sustainable Development (GSD). “I care a lot about the climate, which is why I study what I study”, she added. “I wanted to do something that wasn’t just reading and writing about it and meet people that also cared about the same things that I did.”

That’s one thing Amy highlights about the society: meeting likeminded people. Amy also pointed out the Societies Fair, an event every new student on campus gets invited to during Welcome Week. It’s a great way to see what’s out there, and who your interests might align with. She calls the society a great place to find like-minded people – a “diverse, welcoming community”. She explains how she attended Welcome Week events before signing up to become a Frep, or a fresher’s representative, for Climate Justice. “It’s a really lovely exec”, she says, calling it a “great way to join in” at the heart of the society’s activities. “As a fresher, you can […]  be really involved and really help support these campaigns to make quite a big change.”

“It helps to do something about the climate, and makes me feel a lot better about climate anxiety”

– Amy, Climate Justice President

But it isn’t all activism, there are also social events. “We are quite a fun society”, Amy clarifies, saying it isn’t all ‘climate doomer-ism.” Welcome Week is packed with socials for Climate Justice, who are kicking things off with a picnic and biodiversity tour of campus – what better way to see all the nature Warwick has to offer? Amy told me: “[L]iving on campus last year, I really enjoyed all the natural spaces. So we thought that would be really nice to show people. It’s something we’re really blessed with at Warwick.”

Climate Justice will be at the societies fair, running a games night, and will also be at the Left Network social and bar crawl. All students, new or returning, are welcome to all these events. Not only will you be joining like-minded activists, but you may also make some new friends!

And joining Climate Justice can help with that feeling of anxiety – after all, with all the news about climate crises and global warming lately, it can be easy to feel helpless. But, as Amy explains, even doing something small can make a big change.

“It helps to do something about the climate, and makes me feel a lot better about climate anxiety”, she acknowledges. And for any students who have a burning desire to make some real change? Amy had some recommendations on how best to get involved with climate activism right campus.

“There’s a lot of things that the SU do, such as Sustainability Forum […] a branch of students that strive towards sustainability”, she tells me, adding that they too will be looking to recruit some fresher representatives.

Climate Justice aren’t just active on campus, but also in the local area

Climate Justice aren’t just active on campus, but also in the local area. Amy tells me they have volunteered with the local Green Party, something students can take part in. She also recommends shopping at zero-waste stores – the Eco Hub in Leamington, for example – and of course, getting involved with activist societies.

“We went to the people’s emergency briefing […] on the climate emergency in Coventry, which was nicely attended”, Amy tells me of their local activism, also mentioning the Warwick Wildlife Trust and the student-run Liberation Conference on campus.

Amy also told me about Climate Justice’s new merch idea for the student exec. By taking second hand jumpers and embellishing them with their logo, they have a sustainable way to stand out on campus – look out for those during Welcome Week! Amy reiterates that all the exec are very happy to speak to students on campus, and that everyone is welcome at their events! Climate Justice will have events throughout the year, all of which there are further details of on their Instagram, @climatejusticewarwick.

So, from eager climate activists to those exploring something new, Climate Justice has something for everyone. It’s a great place to start if you want to make a change on campus or get involved in the local fight for the environment. But above all, as Amy says: “the main perk is being with really lovely people doing things that I care about.”