Climate Emergency Week at UBC seeks to convene and energize communities of climate action at UBC. Join our events, workshops and activities, and take transformative action for justice, people, and our planet.

UBC declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and produced a Taskforce 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 transformative climate action for justice, people, and our planet. Below are details of the 2025 events, workshops and activities.
Gratitude to all UBC Climate Emergency Week student, faculty, staff and community partners. 🩷
2025 Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

5:30 – 7:00 PM | IN PERSON | FREDERIC WOOD THEATRE
The Arsonists Pre-Show Dialogue: Climate, Complicity and Complacency
Do you ever feel overwhelmed at the thought of climate change and its impacts? Join us for a thought-provoking pre-show event inspired by The Arsonists theme of the cost of complacency.
Dialogue panel featuring:
- Dr. Stephen Heatley, Director of ‘The Arsonists’ and Professor, Department of Theatre & Film
- Dr. Kathryn Harrison, Professor, Department of Political Science
- Dr. Holly Caggiano, Assistant Professor, School of Community and Regional Planning
Participate in this dialogue to explore ideas about why we resist changes that would reduce climate impacts, and collectively reflect on what we can do to move beyond our complicity to take transformative climate action.
Enjoy our delicious sushi refreshments!
Organized by UBC Arts & Culture District, UBC Department of Film and Theatre, and UBC Sustainability Hub
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

9:00 AM | ONLINE ONLY
Transnational Solidarities and BIPOC Youth Perspectives on Climate Mental Health
A panel centering on BIPOC youth activists sharing their personal stories and experiences in processing ongoing colonialism and climate change-related emotions. How youth take action and practice hope.
Organized by UBC Climate Hub and UBC Sustainability Ambassadors

12:00 – 2:00 PM | IN PERSON | HENRY ANGUS BUILDING
Working in Climate: Marketing
This session will highlight opportunities to effectively communicate sustainability efforts, focusing on innovative strategies that promote environmental responsibility, transparency, and sustainable consumption. As businesses across sectors work to meet rising consumer demand for eco-conscious products and services, marketing plays a critical role in educating, engaging, and influencing audiences.
Organized by UBC Sauder Centre for Climate and Business Solutions

5:00 – 6:30 PM | IN PERSON ONLINE | ZOOM
Saving Gaia: Earth-Space Environmentalism
What role can a science-informed, carefully regulated approach to the development of Earth’s orbit have in protecting and nourishing the planet?
Join The Outer Space Institute for an enlightening conversation with astrophysicist, TED Fellow and National Geographic Explorer Moriba Jah on the health of the Earth-space environment – Gaia – and what we can do to save it.
Moderated by Dr. Aaron Boley (Department of Physics and Astronomy).
Organized by The Outer Space Institute
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

9.30AM – 11.00AM | ONLINE | ZOOM
Using Misleading Advertising to Protect the Earth — and Other Tricks of the Trade
Calvin Sandborn, KC, will review the history of corporate greenwashing advertisements and their role in sabotaging climate action and other environmental protection.
He will discuss how law students initiated the landmark Keurig coffee pod decision, played a key role in lobbying for new Competition Act greenwashing rules, and, can now use diverse consumer protection actions to protect the earth.
Time permitting, Calvin will also talk about other notable successes of UVic Environmental Law Centre students in recent years.
Organized by the UBC Centre for Law and the Environment

11:30AM – 1:00PM | IN PERSON | CIRS POLICY LABS
Energizing the Future: Navigating the Clean Transition
Panel discussion bringing together experts, innovators, and leading researchers to explore the complexities of transitioning to a clean energy future.
Delve deep into the technical, economic, and societal challenges of accelerating the shift towards sustainable energy solutions, while highlighting the opportunities for collaboration and innovation in creating a greener, more resilient world.
Panelists:
- Dr. Mona Amer – Department of Civil Engineering
- Dr. Holly Caggiano – Clean Energy Research Centre / School of Community and Regional Planning
- Dr. Naoko Ellis – Clean Energy Research Centre / Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Dr. Derek Gladwin – Clean Energy Research Centre / Language and Literacy Education
- Dr. Pat Kirchen – Clean Energy Research Centre /Mechanical Engineering
- Emilio Pous – UBC Solar team
Moderated by Dr. Tony Bi, Director of Clean Energy Research Centre
Organized by the Clean Energy Research Centre and Department of Civil Engineering.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10

11:00AM – 2:00PM | IN PERSON | ARTS STUDENTS CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR
Climate Emergency Week Pop-Up Booth
Visit our pop-up booth to learn more about Climate Emergency Week events, participate in games and activities to win prizes, and discover ways you can take transformative action for justice, people, and the planet!
Organized by UBC Sustainability Hub

9AM-2PM | IN PERSON | CIRS ATRIUM
Zero Waste Market Pop-up Booth
Visit the Zero Waste Market’s booth to learn more about this initiative and get free stationery and other items – all diverted from disposal.
We will be in the CIRS Atrium from Monday Feb 10 – Thursday Feb 13! Drop by anyday to say hi 👋.
Organized by UBC Facilities

3:00 – 4:00 PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
Youth Climate Ambassadors Workshop
Join this Youth Climate Ambassadors Project (YCAP) workshop on storytelling and climate justice. Here, through storytelling and an interactive discussion, we will address climate anxiety and empower participants to take action on climate change.
Organized by UBC Sustainability Ambassadors, UBC Climate Hub and Be the Change Earth Alliance

4:00 – 6:00PM | IN PERSON | INTERACTIVE SUSTAINABILITY CENTRE, LIFE0017
Film Screening: Cowspiracy
A groundbreaking feature-length environmental documentary following filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today – and investigates why the world’s leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it.
Delicious snacks will be provided!
Organized by Vegans of UBC
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | IN PERSON | CIRS POLICY LABS
Addressing Air Travel: Showcase and Discussion
Business air travel is one of UBC’s largest emissions sources, and reducing it is a complex (and often controversial) issue. How can UBC, departments, and community members act to address it? Bring your ideas and come find out!
Featuring a series of guest speakers who have taken action to address the challenge of air travel, followed by an open brainstorming session on some of the big ideas and questions around business air travel.
Come help us shape the discussion around one of the most challenging and engaging climate issues facing UBC!
Organized by UBC Sustainable Travel Program

10:30AM – 11:30PM | IN PERSON | GEOG ROOM 229
Info Session: Certificate for Climate Studies and Action
Interested in becoming an expert in climate action? Come and learn more about the Certificate for Climate Studies and Action.
Find out how to apply to participate in this innovative and interdisciplinary certificate as part of your program.
Organized by UBC Vancouver Geography Student Services

11:00AM – 4:00PM | IN PERSON | AMS NEST ATRIUM
AMS Climate Fest
Join us for a celebration of community at Climate Fest! Discover the amazing work being done by students, faculty, staff and community members in response to the climate emergency.
Meet student clubs, local businesses, community artists, and take part in pop-up activities, games, and giveaways.
If you are a UBC student club and wish to reserve a booth at Climate Fest, please fill out this form.
Organized by AMS Sustainability

12:30 – 1:30 PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
POWER! – A public talk on the foundations of effective climate advocacy
Hear from Andrea Reimer, former Vancouver city councillor and current UBC Adjunct Professor, drawing on her experiences from identifying decision-makers, crafting the ask, and gathering support to get the deal done.
Organized by UBC Sustainability Hub

1:30 – 3:30 PM | IN PERSON | CIRS POLICY LABS
POWER! – A hands-on workshop for current and aspirational climate organizers
A practical session for climate organizers to help chart their path from a desire for change to shaping an effective advocacy strategy through understanding the foundations of power. Hosted by Andrea Reimer, former Vancouver city councillor and current UBC Adjunct Professor. 30 spaces. maximum.
Organized by UBC Sustainability Hub

1:00 – 3:00 PM | IN PERSON | UBC OKANAGAN ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION BUILDING
Climate Conversation: Climate Research Round Table in the Okanagan
What direction did your climate-related research take in 2024, and what direction do you anticipate taking in 2025? Join this informal Climate Conversation to share with colleagues through a round table event.
Not currently engaged in climate-oriented research but interested in hearing from others who are? Curious about how your research expertise could be applied to developing climate solutions? Actively engaged in climate research and keen to share with others? Please join! This event is open to all interested in developing climate solutions through research across all disciplines.
Organized by UBC Climate Solutions Research Collective

1:00 – 3:00 PM | IN PERSON | UBC OKANAGAN CAMPUS
Day of the Dot – Period Equity and Education
A workshop opened to UBC Okanagan students who wish to learn more about sustainability and periods and want to make a switch to sustainable period products but experience financial and other barriers.
This event is supported by a microgrant from the UBC Sustainability Hub.
Organized by Students’ Union Okanagan, UBCO Campus Wellness and Education and UBCO Facilities Management

5:00 – 6:30 PM | IN PERSON + ONLINE | GREEN COLLEGE
Water and Ecopoetry
“What is water in the eyes of water?” asks the poet Alice Oswald.
Join an evening of conversations with four distinguished poets who have spent considerable time paying attention to water. Featuring Daphne Marlatt, Fred Wah, annie ross, and Rita Wong – whose books of poetry include climate (2021), and who calls for collective action to address the climate crisis and systemic inequities with an economy of care and solidarity. The event will be hosted by Green College’s Writer-in-Residence–Jaspreet Singh.
Organized by UBC Green College

5:30 – 7:30 PM | IN PERSON | CiTR OFFICE, AMS NEST ATRIUM
Solidari-zine: Zine-Making for Climate Justice
Join us for Solidari-zine! A zine-making workshop focused on tracing the interconnections between the climate emergency and social justice.
We’ll have materials, food, prompts and resources so you can make your own zine, make a zine with friends, or add a page to the workshop’s collective zine showcasing a way in which you see that climate justice is social justice.
This event is supported by a microgrant from the UBC Sustainability Hub, made possible by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.
Organized by CiTR 101.9 FM

5:30 – 7:30 PM | IN PERSON | GEOGRAPHY BUILDING ROOM 229
Reframing the Climate Crisis: Teach-in, Art-making, and Community Building
This workshop aims to bring people into the discussion about the systemic dimensions of the climate crisis, beyond individual responsibility. This event consists of a teach-in, which will be led by Professor Alec Blair, followed by an art-making session where participants are encouraged to reflect and express any emotional responses to what they learnt from the teach-in. We will offer prompts as well as materials for making art using different mediums, including painting, collage work, colouring, and zine-making. It is our hope that through this event, participants will form connections with each other and be inspired to participate in further climate action.
Organized by UBC Geography Climate Action Committee

6:00 – 8:00PM | IN PERSON | CIRS ATRIUM AND SECOND FLOOR BRIDGE
Smash & Bloom: Plant Hammering Workshop
The chance to craft beautiful floral designs on various materials, such as clothing or fabric, using a unique technique called plant hammering. Plant hammering is a technique involving the use of a hammer to imprint natural dyes from plants onto fabric or paper.Participants are encouraged to bring their own materials on which they would like to imprint designs. Items sourced from secondhand stores will be provided.
This event is supported by a microgrant from the UBC Sustainability Hub, made possible by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.
Organized by UBC Botany Enthusiasts Club

6:00PM-8:00PM | IN PERSON | ESSA CLUBROOM
(6339 Stores Road, room 208J)
Climate Collage Night
Are you into crafting and passionate about the future of climate change?
Join the @swordfernco and @ubcessa for a chill creative evening of dialogue and climate collaging! Let’s get together and envision our hopeful climate future, and how we can get there together.
All supplies + snacks and tea will be provided, just bring your big ideas and be ready to create.
Organized by Sword Fern Collective and UBC Environmental Sciences Students’ Association (ESSA)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | IN PERSON | CIRS POLICY LABS
Workplace Sustainability Showcase
Join us for the Workplace Sustainability Showcase, a celebration of the inspiring sustainability initiatives driven by UBC staff and faculty across campus. From waste diversion to community gardens, discover how your colleagues are championing sustainability within their departments—and learn how you can get involved!
Expect guest speakers, an interactive booth fair, and connection with likeminded people! Refreshments will be served.
Organized by UBC Campus+Community Planning

12:00PM – 1:30PM | IN PERSON | AERL 107
Climate Conversation: The ‘Climate’ of Political Polarization and Misinformation in Canadian Politics
Join colleagues from the Department of Sociology and the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CDSI) for a ‘Climate Conversation’ around these topics.
Dr. Emily Huddart, will share her experiences researching ideological polarization with respect to climate change, and Dr. Chris Tenove will share research by the CDSI on climate misinformation in Canada.
Organized by the UBC Climate Solutions Research Collective and Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions

12:30PM – 1:30PM | IN PERSON | AMS NEST PERFORMANCE THEATRE
Reimagining Universities in Climate-Just Futures: An Intergenerational Dialogue
This event will hold space for intergenerational conversations about the role of university institutions in addressing the climate crisis. A panel discussion featuring students, faculty and staff, will share their insights on their involvement in climate work as a means to co-create just futures.
Panelists:
- Akuzike Limbanga, undergraduate student, Geography and African Studies
- Dr. Kshamta Hunter, Manager of Transformative Learning & Student Engagement and a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at UBC
- Dr. Frank Tester, UBC Emeritus College Professor, filmmaker
Following the panel, participants will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue over a (free!) meal together.
This event is supported by a microgrant from the UBC Sustainability Hub, made possible by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.
Organized by an independent UBC student organizer with support from the Climate Hub

1:00PM – 3:00PM | IN PERSON | ARTS STUDENT CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR
Planting P(aus)sibilities
Have you ever wondered what it means to implement sustainable practices in response to increasing climate challenges? Or how university students cultivate and maintain sustainable food habits? If so, this event is for you!
*Free Lunch*
Join us for an interactive workshop where you’ll explore sustainable food practices, gain recipe inspiration through a live cooking demonstration, engage in discussions with peers on accessible, sustainable, and even create your own microgreen growing kit to take home!
Organized by the Arts Undergraduate Society

4:30PM – 6:30PM | IN PERSON | ARTS STUDENT CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR
Clothing Swap x Mending Workshop
A discussion on fast fashion, emissions produced by the textile industries, and encouraging behaviours that fight against this.
Anyone can drop in for a clothing swap, and we will have stations for up to 25 people to join our mending workshop.
Organized by UBC Common Energy and UBC Knit and Sew

4:30PM – 5:45PM | IN PERSON | CIRS POLICY LABS
Energy Trivia Workshop
Join a crash course on humanity’s relationship with energy, from the discovery of fire to today’s global power sources.
Test your knowledge in an interactive trivia session exploring energy use, global trends, and innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
Organized by Campus + Community Planning and UBC Sustainability Ambassadors

5:00PM – 7:00PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
Climate Justice UBC, Fossil Free Research Launch Party
The fossil fuel industry has deep connections to research performed at UBC. To address these concerning connections, CJUBC is launching their Fossil Free Research (FFR) campaign. Anyone is welcome to attend—students, staff and faculty.
There will be so many fun and engaging activities, including button making, screen printing t-shirts, contributing to a visual display through collaborative art, building relationships with student organizers, a chance to explore your interests and their connections to the fossil free research campaign, and pizza!
Attendees can come in and out, however there will be a short scheduled presentation about the campaign at 6PM. If you are interested in research, the fossil fuel industry, social justice or climate justice, we think you would have a great time at this event. Can’t wait to see you there!
Organized by Climate Justice UBC

5:30PM – 7PM | IN PERSON | GEOGRAPHY BUILDING, ROOM 229
Young and Fed Up
Gen Z is the first generation of young people to confront skyrocketing cost-of-living, a housing crisis, a climate emergency, and a potential trade war all at once. But we don’t have to accept the status quo.
Join us to learn how we fight back and ensure our voices are heard ahead of the upcoming federal election!
Organized by the UBC Centre for Climate Justice and 350 Canada
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

9AM-2PM | IN PERSON | CIRS ATRIUM
Zero Waste Market Pop-up Booth
Visit the Zero Waste Market’s booth to learn more about this initiative and get free stationery and other items – all diverted from disposal.
Organized by UBC Facilities

11AM – 12PM | ONLINE | ZOOM
Solutions Scholars Notice of Intent Q&A Session
Are you interested in interdisciplinary climate research collaborations and climate solutions-oriented research at UBC?
UBC faculty are invited to explore a climate solutions-oriented research question from a fresh disciplinary perspective, develop collaborations with other researchers around climate solutions, expand the scope of your work, and/or tackle a real-world problem that is not receiving sufficient attention.
Attend our information session to learn more!
Organized by the Climate Solutions Research Collective

11:30AM – 1:30PM | IN PERSON | MAIN MALL, UBC CAMPUS
Microclimates & Biodiversity: Main Mall Spotlight
Check out research stations along Main Mall between the Forestry and Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences buildings that showcase urban impacts on microclimates, tree species, and bat populations.
Meet the researchers monitoring these impacts, including demonstrations featuring the tools and technologies in use.
Organized by UBC Urban Forests Research Hub (Drs. Melissa McHale, Tahia Devisscher, Matt Mitchell), SEEDS program, and UBC Sustainability Hub.

12:00PM – 3:00PM | IN PERSON | WOODWARD LIBRARY, MAIN FLOOR
UBC Library Repair Café
A repair cafe with stations for sewing, darning, and reusable beeswax wrap making, with textile experts on-hand to assist participants.
Textile repairs can include helping with holes, tears, buttons, and patching. Hand sewing, darning, and sewing machine stations will be available. Grab a treat, do a puzzle, and get mending!
Please note that this is an event focused on learning and collaborative crafting, rather than an alteration or major repairs service.
Organized by UBC Library.

12:30PM – 2PM | IN PERSON | ANSO 207, 6303 NW MARINE DRIVE
What can rural-rural migrations in Ghana tell us about migration categories?
In Ghana, climatic impacts are unevenly distributed, with the northern sector currently facing the brunt of these stressors compared to the south.
In this talk, Dr. Jemima Nomunume Baada explores issues related to migration to rural communities of the country’s Middle Belt for alternative livelihoods.
Organized by the Department of Anthropology

2:00PM – 3:30PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
Food Systems Sustainability: Understanding the Global Challenge and Taking Local Action
This session explores the critical relationship between food systems, climate change, and sustainability.
The discussion will highlight localized actions, share key challenges, and identify opportunities to accelerate the global shift towards sustainable food systems.
Short presentations and panel discussion followed by Q&A with Navin Ramankutty (Director, IRES; Professor, IRES and SPPGA), David Speight (UBC Food Services Executive Chef ), and Liska Richer (SEEDS Sustainability Manager).
Organized by IRES and SEEDS

2:30PM – 4:30PM | IN PERSON | AMS NEST PERFORMANCE THEATRE
Undergraduate Research Opportunities – Sustainability Research Showcase
Are you an undergraduate student passionate about sustainability and eager to explore research opportunities? Join us for this boothing-style event featuring research initiatives, programs, and projects that drive climate action!
Meet directors, professors, and program leads dedicated to sustainability research.
Organized by UBC Undergraduate Research Opportunities

4PM – 6PM | IN PERSON | ARTS STUDENT CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR
Recycle through Craft: Re-using Metal and Rubber for Art
Join the Bike Kitchen in making art together with recycled materials! We will use metal and rubber stripped from donated bicycles to make functional and non-functional pieces that you can take home, maybe for your valentine 🩷.
Learn to make a pouch out of inner tubes, get creative with old chains and gears, or simply hang out and talk about overconsumption and the cycling industry. No experience necessary!
Organized by the Bike Kitchen

6:00PM – 8PM | IN PERSON | CIRS BC HYDRO THEATRE
Climate Outreach with the City of Vancouver
Students from the UBC Sustainability Ambassadors program partnered with the City of Vancouver to run a climate literacy booth in the community. Join this event to learn about their experience and key takeaways from conducting outreach in the community.
Organized by UBC Sustainability Ambassadors and the City of Vancouver
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

11.00AM – 12.00PM | IN PERSON | UBC BOTANICAL GARDEN
Gardens Adapting to Changing Climates: Planning and Planting for the Future
Join us for a walking tour in the beautiful UBC Botanical Garden to learn about how gardens are adapting to climate change and making long-term decisions to support trees, plants, and biodiversity. With hands-on activities, participants will learn about strategies and approaches for protecting nature in a changing climate.
This event is outdoors and will proceed rain or shine – please dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes!
Your guides: Dr. Tara Moreau, Associate Director of Sustainability and Community Programs at UBC Botanical Garden, and Zahra Chan-Khan, is the Sustainability and Community Programming Assistant.
Organized by UBC Botanical Garden

12:30 – 1:30 PM | IN PERSON | ALLARD HALL, ROOM 122
Climate Organizing 101: An Introduction to Taking Action on Environmental Issues
Join us for Climate Organizing 101, an engaging workshop that equips participants with practical tools to take meaningful action on pressing environmental issues. This interactive session will introduce essential strategies for transforming ideas into impactful campaigns.
Explore tactic selection and gain hands-on experience with key advocacy methods, including political lobbying, research and writing projects, and public education initiatives.
This event is supported by a microgrant from the UBC Sustainability Hub, made possible by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.
Organized by Environmental Law Group (Allard Law School)