What should Higher Education Institutions do about the Planetary Crisis?

What can those working within higher education instituions (HEIs) do in response to the climate and ecological crisis? Given the planetary crises are linked to other gender, racial, social and economic injustices, what we are facing are multiple and interlinked crises – which together constitute a ‘polycrisis’.

This one-day participatory event to be held at the University of Galway is an opportunity for those who work within HEIs across the island of Ireland (researchers, cleaners, management, estates, procurement, HR etc.), and also those who have a stake or interest in the knowledge, research and other activities of higher education (local citizens, farmers communities, activists, civil society organisations) to come together to discuss how and in what ways our higher education institutions could and should be responding to the planetary crisis.

The aims of the event are:

To bring people working, studying or interested in HEIs together who share the concerns about ‘business as usual’ and proposals to transform these institutions;

To share experiences and develop an informal and supportive network across the island of Ireland;

To plan actions and next steps.

This free event will use a world café style to maximise discussion and debate. The programme is outlined below, and all are welcome.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN IN PERSON EVENT

Programme

10.00am Welcome, rationale and overview of the day

10.30am-12.00 noon ‘Research in the age of polycrisis’

12.00-1.30 – ‘Teaching’

1.30-2.30pm – Lunch

2.30- 4.00pm ‘Activism, Outreach and Engagement’ – led by local activist groups

4.00-5pm– Action points and next steps

5pm Ends

Location: The View, Áras na Mac Léinn

University of Galway University Road Galway Ireland

Tickets are free and can be acquired online.