Climate Emergency week at UBC seeks to convene and energize communities of climate action at UBC. Join our events, workshops and activities, and take collective action for justice, people, and our planet.
UBC declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and produced a report in 2021 that focuses on climate justice, which goes hand-in-hand with climate action to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on those communities least responsible.
Climate Emergency Week is your chance to join collective action for justice, people, and our planet.
Take part in events, workshops and activities, and share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas on social media to show your support for climate action through #UBCclimatelove.
Gratitude to all UBC Climate Emergency Week partners. ❤️
“Vulnerable countries that contribute the least to climate change suffer the most. But there is still hope! Hope that can be found in the resilience of our vulnerable communities.”
– Suluafi Brianna Fruean, climate activist from Samoa.
Scan highlights of Climate Emergency Week 2024 and browse past events below.
TUESDAY FEB 6
12PM – 1.30PM | ONLINE | ZOOM
The Ethics of Volunteering in International Development: Pathways for Justice-Driven Engagement
An expert panel will share practical tips, advice and diverse insights on how Canadians can advance justice, equality, decolonization, feminism, and other values Canadians hold dear. We’ll go beyond buzz words to critically assess our role in global justice, and provide insights that will help you assess opportunities to get involved in international development.
Panellists include Andrea M. Vásquez Fernández, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Forestry.
Organized by the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC).
FRIDAY FEB 9
11AM – 12PM | ONLINE | ZOOM
Building Repairable Hardware Products
Join Nirav Patel, Founder and CEO of Framework and a visionary in sustainable tech, who will discuss how his journey from Oculus to founding Framework represents a vital shift towards combating the climate crisis through sustainable, repairable, and long-lasting consumer electronics. This event is a unique opportunity for those passionate about technology’s role in environmental sustainability and eager to learn about innovative solutions that challenge the norm and pave the way for a greener future.
Organized by the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC).Organized by Campus as a Living Lab: E-Kitchen Project Team.
MONDAY FEB 12
9AM – 4PM | IN PERSON | AMS STUDENT NEST
Climate Justice Pop-Up Engagement Booth
A Climate Emergency Week booth featuring an interactive Climate Justice World Map, stickers, #ubcclimatelove chocolates, prize giveaways, and free registration passes for all Climate Emergency Week events.
Stop by outside Blue Chip Café to meet our team of climate organizers and learn how you can help foster a culture of engagement and advocacy on climate action.
Organized by UBC Sustainability Hub.
12PM – 12.50PM | IN PERSON | AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH LABORATORY, ROOM 107
Innovations in Energy Transition: Electrification of Mobility
From e-scooters to electric vehicles, individuals are moving towards electric transportation options. What are the barriers and opportunities for widespread adoption of these options?
Amir Hassanpour, PhD Candidate in Transportation Engineering and Climate Solutions Scholar, will host Mirtha Gamiz and Werner Antweiler in a discussion around the electrification of mobility.
Organized by Climate Solutions Research Collective.
1PM – 2.30PM | IN PERSON | CIRS POLICY LABS
Communicating Climate
How do you talk about the climate? How does language empower climate action? Join us for an interactive workshop exploring how to broaden the distribution of climate messaging beyond existing advocates and take an audience-first approach.
This event is held in partnership with ClimaTalk, a youth-led NGO with members in 30+ countries that seeks to demystify climate policy for youth.
Organized by Campus + Community Planning.
6PM – 9PM | IN PERSON | HATCH ART GALLERY, AMS STUDENT NEST
Climate Slamposium
Combining elements of slam poetry and symposium vibes, the Climate Slamposium invites student researchers, activists, artists, and others engaging in climate justice to share their work in fun and creative ways. This is an opportunity to showcase, explore and uplift the climate grief, love, activism, advocacy, hope and voice of student leaders and storytellers at UBC.
Organized by UBC Climate Hub, Seeds Sustainability Program, and Hatch Art Gallery.
TUESDAY FEB 13
11.30AM – 1PM | IN PERSON | AMS STUDENT NEST, ROOM 2311
Bee the Change You Want to See: Pollinator Biodiversity Loss and Taking Climate Action
Around 75% of food crops depend on pollinators to some extent and their decline threatens our food system.
Learn more about our local pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, engage in buzzing activities, and explore the interconnections between sustainable food, climate change, and biodiversity loss to take action.
Organized by Campus + Community Planning.
2.00PM – 3.00PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BY HYDRO THEATRE
Climate Action at UBC: An Update on UBC’s Efforts to be a Climate Champion
UBC Vancouver is transforming from an energy inefficient and fossil fuel-based campus to one that is highly efficient and powered by renewable energy. The session will provide an update on UBC’s Climate Action Plan 2030 (CAP2030), including efforts to reduce UBC’s operational emissions by 85% by 2030 and address Scope 3 emissions for the first time.
Join the Sustainability & Engineering team to learn about UBC’s climate efforts and how you can get involved.
Organized by Campus + Community Planning.
2.30PM – 3.20PM | IN PERSON | AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH LABORATORY, ROOM 107
Human Climate Interactions: Insights from History
Dialogue with four UBC researchers investigating the relationship between human action and climate at various scales. Featuring a brief opening by each of the four panelists, followed by individual tables, for smaller group discussion of the topics raised.
Panelists include: Cuiyi Fei (Host); Tracey Heatherington (Anthropology); Kendra Chritz (Earth and Ocean Science) Andrew Jorgenson (Sociology);
Rachel White, (Earth and Ocean Science).
Organized by Climate Solutions Research Collective.
6.30PM – 8.30PM | IN PERSON | HATCH ART GALLERY, AMS STUDENT NEST
গল্প – golpo: “Story; Conversation” – An IBPOC Community and Justice Care Circle
Join for free dinner, destressing, and networking at this intergenerational and interdisciplinary dialogue circle for IBPOC students, faculty, creatives, and community members engaged or interested in solidarity, climate, education, organizing, research, art, and/or beyond – all fields welcome! Discuss complexities, challenges, barriers, and lessons of navigating our respective practices and journeys as IBPOC across Global North and South solidarities with a focus on care and community building.
গল্প is a Bangla word, speaking to how this event specifically centres and is spearheaded by IBPOC identifying folks to engage in a safe & brave space for cultivating community, collective processing, & (un)learning through conversation over food to honour the historical, persistent, systematic, & ongoing marginalization uniquely faced & experienced, often shaping respective journeys & levels of access.
Organized by আসা; Asha Collective in collaboration with Hatch Art Gallery and UBC Climate Hub.
WEDNESDAY FEB 14
12PM – 1PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
Photographing the Climate Emergency: Iconic Images of Our Changing Planet
Photographers and photojournalists have kept us on the edge of our seats for decades as the climate emergency has evolved from “warming” to “crisis” to “boiling point”. In this visual guest lecture, award-winning photographer and documentary filmmaker Marina Dodis will talk us through some of the iconic imagery of the climate emergency so far, with a candid look at their backstory.
Join us for a fascinating talk as we discover who is in the picture, who isn’t, and why any of this matters.
Organized by UBC Sustainability Hub, Campus + Community Planning, School for Architecture + Landscape Architecture, and Emeritus College Photo Group.
Image credit: Dmitry Kokh
12PM – 3PM | IN PERSON | AMS STUDENT NEST, OUTSIDE PLAZA
AMS Waste Audit
Join a team volunteers organized by AMS Sustainability to learn about what recycling, food waste, and landfill items fall into the sorting stations inside of the Nest. This waste audit provides a hands-on opportunity for students to help UBC progress towards a zero-waste community. Data collected from this audit will allow the AMS to identify current waste practices and how they can be improved.
Celebrate waste sorting and circular economy initiatives with music, hot drinks and snacks.
Organized by AMS Sustainability.
12.30PM – 1.45PM | IN PERSON + ONLINE | ALLARD HALL
In Their Own Words Plaintiffs and Lawyers Speak About Youth Climate Cases, Part 4 – Juliana v US
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the young people and their counsel who are trying to hold their governments legally accountable for their contributions to the climate crisis!
Juliana v US is a constitutional climate lawsuit that was filed in 2015 against the US government asserting that, because of the government’s affirmative actions contributing to climate change, it has violated the youngest generation’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property and has failed to protect essential public trust resources. We will be joined by lawyer Andrea Rodgers of Our Children’s Trust and Alex Loznak, a plaintiff in the case.
Organized by the Centre for Law and the Environment.
12.30PM – 2PM | IN PERSON | CIRS WELLBEING DESIGN LAB
Dialogue: Climate Wellbeing in the Classroom
A dialogue session for students, staff and faculty interested in wellbeing and climate change topics in classroom settings. Join us for lunch and share your experiences and ideas on how climate change content and wellbeing practices can enhance teaching and learning experiences at UBC.
This session supports the goals of expanding climate change education and supporting community wellbeing in the face of the climate crisis, in alignment with UBC’s Climate Emergency Task Force Report.
Spaces are limited.
Organized by the Office of Wellbeing Strategy and UBC Sustainability Hub.
3PM – 4PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
Million Dollar Milestone: Celebrating the Furniture Reuse Program
UBC has saved an amazing $1,000,000 in furniture purchasing costs through its Furniture Reuse Program. A small-but-mighty idea to re-home furniture destined for disposal kick-started a sustainability success story right here on campus. By reusing what is already made (instead of buying new) we can lower purchasing costs while significantly reducing our environmental impact through reduced waste and life-cycle emissions.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to win furniture prizes at the million-dollar milestone event.
Organized by UBC Facilities.
5.30PM – 6.30PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
COP28: An Interactive Game
Take part in an interactive game inspired by the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in late 2023.
Created by COP28 UBC delegate, Muhammad Huzaifa, Master of Applied Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Organized by the Sustainability Ambassadors.
THURSDAY FEB 15
11AM – 1PM | IN PERSON | AMS STUDENT NEST
Let’s Choose to Reuse! BYO Mug Hot Chocolate Booth
A pop-up Let’s Choose to Reuse engagement booth! Bring your own mug for FREE hot chocolate, enter a raffle to win a reusable mug, and spin the wheel to test your sustainability knowledge!
Stop by to learn more about creating a circular economy!
Organized by Sustainability Ambassadors.
11AM – 2PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
Un(learning) and Decolonizing Academia Through a Climate Justice Lens
A dialogue on learning and unlearning guided by the following questions: In what ways can we learn and unlearn the lens and narratives we utilize towards addressing climate justice and climate solutions? And how can we reflect upon the existing colonial structures that exist in academia regarding climate justice and sustainability?
With speakers Dr. Jo-ann Archibald and Dr. Cash Ahenakew, topics of decolonization within academic institutions, nature and kinship, and the power of Indigenous storytelling will be discussed.
Organized by Sustainability Ambassadors.
12PM – 1PM | IN PERSON | CIRS WELLBEING DESIGN LAB
A Beginner’s Guide to Growing a Sustainable Herb Garden
Interested in sustainable food but don’t know where to start? In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of growing your own herbs!
Discover yummy recipes, learn fun facts, and win prizes. All supplies provided for your herb garden kit!
Organized by Campus + Community Planning.
2.30PM – 4PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
UBC Entrepreneurs and the Climate Emergency
The Climate Venture Studio is for UBC researchers, scientists and founders working on scientific or technological innovations, or disruptions that tackle a widespread climate issue.
Join a panel event featuring entrepreneurship@UBC Venture Studio founders on the process of bringing climate research to industry, and developing innovations at UBC.
Followed by Q&A and a networking session.
Organized by Climate Venture Studio, entrepreneurship@UBC.
3PM – 4PM | IN PERSON | CIRS POLICY LABS
Climate Doomism: An Introductory Workshop
Do you feel uneasy or actively frightened by climate change? Do you want to take climate action but feel paralyzed because it seems hopeless? Do you want to talk about this kind of thing but have difficulty doing so?
UBC “doomster” and overall positive (really!) person Gavin Esdale will give an introduction to the surprisingly lively subject areas of climate “doomism” and “post-doom” and some of the ways they can help guide us through the difficult work of taking action even when we fully expect things to get worse.
Presentation interspersed with opportunities for group discussion and reflection.
P.S. If you think that a workshop on climate doom is a bad idea, then this workshop is also for you!
6PM – 8.30PM | IN PERSON | HATCH ART GALLERY, AMS STUDENT NEST
Embodying Climate Resilience and Resistance: Decolonizing Bodies and Lands Through Art
A hands-on art-based workshop centring themes of climate wellbeing; art as personal and community resilience & resistance; and creative modes of storytelling and documentation in the era of climate emergency and injustice. Join us for the continuation of the art workshop exploring the relation of environmental issues and race.
This session will also offer a unique platform for body mapping, fostering a safe space for discussions on how environmental challenges differ for IBPOC individuals, revealing the lived disparities. Our goal through this session is to promote healing through collective conversation, art making and learn through personal histories. Lastly we will be providing education on the current realities and necessary actions of Congo in collaboration with Africa Awareness Initiative this Black History Month.
Organized by UBC Climate Hub, Asha Collective, UBC Exposure, Africa Awareness Initiative (AAI) and Hatch Art Gallery.
FRIDAY FEB 16
10.30AM – 1.30PM | IN PERSON | 3461 ROSS DRIVE
Ceremonial Fire at xʷc̓ic̓əsəm, UBC Farm
This ceremony represents a chance for all attendees to acknowledge and commit to reconciliation while reflecting on responsible and reciprocal action toward the land and Indigenous peoples in the face of climate change. There are various ways to participate in the event, including making fire offerings, singing and drumming, sending prayers, sharing experiences, and showing support and advocacy.
Everyone is welcome to attend the outdoor event, and it is free of charge. We recognize that how the Sacred Fire ceremony is being practiced may differ from the traditions of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm culture, and we are deeply grateful for their hospitality in allowing us to host the ceremony on their territory.
We also acknowledge the unceded, traditional, and ancestral territories of Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), SəlíL lwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Syilx (Okanagan) people where other UBC Campuses are located.
Organized by the Centre for Indigenous Land-Based Education, Research and Wellness at xʷc̓ic̓əsəm, CLL/UBC Sustainability Hub, and the UBC Indigenous Land-Based Health, Wellness, and Education Research Cluster.
11AM – 3PM | IN PERSON | AMS STUDENT NEST, MAIN LEVEL AND LOWER LEVEL
Climate Fest
Join us for a celebration of community at Climate Fest! Discover the amazing work being done by students, faculty, and staff in response to the climate emergency, meet community businesses and organizations, or take a break at the Pot-a-Plant zone.
Low-sensory hour from 11am to 12pm to accommodate a safe and calming environment for neurodivergent guests. During this hour, the event will have natural lights only, minimize noise, and remain scent-free.
Organized by AMS Sustainability.
TUESDAY FEB 27
5.30PM – 7.30PM | IN PERSON & ZOOM | LIU INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL ISSUES
Alone in a Burning World: (Re) Centering Collective Health for Climate Justice
Join us in this panel to recenter Community in our conversations about Land Back and Climate Justice. This event will bring Indigenous perspectives on the intersections of the climate crises and dive into the practicalities of what climate work looks like on the ground.
We will host an informal dialogue to hold each other as we make space for conversations about systemic settler colonial conditions and values and our abilities to make healthy decisions to bring about change that is healing.
Discussion and dialogue featuring:
- Namaste Marsden, Masemtxoxw, BA, LLB, from the Wilp Gamlaxyeltxw, Lax Ganeda (Frog Clan).
- Harlan Pruden (nēhiyo/First Nations Cree), works with and for the Two Spirit community locally, nationally and internationally.
- Seraphine Munroe, member of the Dakelh
and Sto:lo First Nations, identifying as a Ts’eke (Women), and serves as a strategic advisor for Dakelh Reconciliation initiatives. - Dr. Cash Ahenakew, member of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples’ Well-Being and Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Studies.
Organized by Indigenous Research Support Initiative.
WEDNESDAY FEB 28
12PM – 1.30PM | ONLINE | ZOOM
The Intersection of Climate Justice and Digital Innovation: Raising Awareness of Technologies Environmental Footprint.
Join panelists, Dr. Keri Ewart, Dr. Sandra Scott, Dr. Derek Gladwin, and Dr. Kshamta Hunter for a conversation about the intersections and implications of climate justice and digital innovation. Panelists will share their research and perspectives on the nexus between technology and the environment and discuss strategies and limitations across these intersections.
Organized by Learning Design & Digital Innovation, Faculty of Education, and Edith Lando Virtual Learning Centre.
THURSDAY FEB 29
12.30PM – 1.30PM | IN PERSON | CIRS, WELLBEING DESIGN LAB
Green Up Your Space: a Sustainable Planting and Pot-Painting Workshop
Is your workplace looking a little dull? Convert your sterile environment into a living ecosystem! Learn how to propagate a spider plant to take home to boost your wellbeing, improve air quality, reduce stress and reconnect with nature. Then, channel your inner artist as you paint a personalized pot.
No plant experience required; we will provide all materials.
Organized by Campus + Community Planning.
1.30PM – 2.30PM | IN PERSON | CIRS POLICY LABS
Zero Waste: DIY Tote Bag Workshop
This hands-on workshop demonstrates a variety of upcycling techniques, empowering students to transform old garments into new treasures while learning about the importance of waste reduction.
Students will not only pick up some cool practical skills but also learn how to take ownership of their environmental impact. Step into a world where fashion meets sustainability!
Organized by the UBC Zero Waste Squad, Campus + Community Planning, and Get Thrifty UBC.
5.30PM – 7.30PM | IN PERSON | FIRST NATIONS LONG HOUSE
John P. Bell Global Indigenous Rights Lecture presents Dr. Kyle Whyte
This year’s lecture will be given by Dr. Kyle Whyte, George Willis Pack Professor, University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor, and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan. Dr. Whyte is also a U.S. Science Envoy, and serves on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
This year’s talk is titled: Indigenous Climate Action at the Speed of Consent.
Dr. Whyte’s research addresses environmental justice, specifically, moral and political issues concerning climate policy and Indigenous peoples, the ethics of cooperative relationships between Indigenous peoples and science organizations, and problems of Indigenous justice in public and academic discussions of food sovereignty, environmental justice, and the Anthropocene. Dr. Whyte is an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
Organized by Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and the Centre for Climate Justice
6.00PM – 9.00PM | IN PERSON | HATCH ART GALLERY, AMS STUDENT NEST
Climate Justice, Art and Action Panel
A panel that touches on art, creativity, and climate justice! This is the last chance to check out the student Climate Catharsis exhibition.
Panelists from Vancouver Black Library (VBL), UBC Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (UBC SPHR), Asha Collective, and The Only Animal theatre will share their perspectives & projects regarding: art as resistance, storytelling, and public commentary in the era of climate emergency and injustice; creative place-making; art as documenting, remembering, and sharing our perspectives and histories; and art as integral to wellbeing, liberation, and reclamation.
Organized by UBC Climate Hub and Seeds Sustainability Program.
6.30PM – 8.30PM | IN PERSON | YWCA HOTEL VANCOUVER, 733 BEATTY STREET
Climate Change and Conflict in Honduras: Building Community and Climate Resilience in the Dry Corridor
Join the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation and World Neighbours Canada for an evening talk with Carlos Vijil Moreno of Vecinos Honduras, a Honduran organization that supports rural communities to have access and control over their resources, advance food sovereignty, safeguard cultural livelihoods and the climate.
Organized by the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC)
