Global Sustainability Institute
30 October 2015
The Education for Sustainability team joined forces with the University of Cambridge Environment and Energy Section to bring the WHOLE EARTH? photography exhibition to Cambridge.
WHOLE EARTH? is all about the idea that students and universities can help build a society that works for a sustainable future.
If you walked through Parker's Piece between 5-16 October, you can’t have missed it – the 60-metre long display was near the path, catching the constant foot traffic between the city centre and our University.
Students from both universities were asked to use social media to share their thoughts on the iconic images. The Global Sustainability Institute worked with the exhibition’s creators so that these reactions from across the world are captured using #StudentEarth. These comments will be analysed by a PhD student from our University and presented to world leaders later ahead of the international climate negotiations taking place in Paris later this year.
WHOLE EARTH? was launched with a special edition of the GSI Seminar Series. Students from both our University and the University of Cambridge came along to take part in the Question Time style event which asked "How can you change the world?" Speaking during the key note speech, Mark Edwards explained that “we face new challenges and old challenges on a new scale.” He also called for a new revolution, adding that “if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen at universities.” Edwards is challenging students to think about the future they want and to act on it. The exhibition itself talks about the different roles students and young people can play, no matter what they study.
The panel included Mark Edwards, the renowned photographer behind the exhibition, Joan Wally, the former MP and Chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee, and Dr Aled Jones, Director of the Global Sustainability Institute. The event was compered by Sammi Whitaker, ARU Students’ Union President, and Quinn Runkle, Senior Project Officer for NUS’ department for sustainability.
The Cambridge exhibition was just one of several international launches in partnership with the National Union of Students. Universities around the country as well as in Scandinavia and Australia also hosted WHOLE EARTH?
By Grace Philip
EfS Coordinator, October 2015
Disclaimer
The views expressed here are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of Anglia Ruskin University. If you've got any concerns please contact us.