Climate-U Network Conference
Higher Education and the Climate Crisis
24 - 27 September, 2024
In partnership with Kenyatta University. Climate-U Network Lead Institution, 2024
Climate-U Network Conference
Higher Education and the Climate Crisis
24 - 27 September, 2024
Venue: Kenyatta University Conference Centre,
Nairobi, Kenya / online
Overview
The Climate-U network brings together universities from around the world committed to working together to address the climate crisis. The network was born out of the Climate-U project (Transforming Universities for a Changing Climate) which ran from February 2020 - January 2024, funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund.
The aim of the network is to strengthen climate action and sustainability efforts within each institution and collaboratively given that the sustainability challenges traverse sectors and regions. Universities are central to the transformation of societies, through their unique role in professional development, knowledge production and public debate. While there has been increasing attention to the active role universities can play in recent years, and many institutions have made commitments to achieving carbon neutrality and just transitions, there is still a significant knowledge gap.
Building on the Higher Education and the Climate Crisis event held in London in October 2023, this conference provides a space for debate, exchange of ideas and sharing of new research on diverse aspects of the higher education-climate crisis-sustainability axis. It offers a platform for a range of activities that will include interactive seminars, workshops, research papers and poster presentations featuring interdisciplinary perspectives from prominent speakers and decision-makers in climate education.
The mode of the conference will be blended with both in-person events to be held at the Kenyatta University Conference Centre, Nairobi, and virtual participation.
The conference will take place between 24th and 27th September 2024 and will be organised as follows:
Programme
24th September
Student-led activities
26th September
Research papers, symposia and poster presentations
25th September
Workshops
27th September
Policy dialogue (morning)
and excursions (afternoon)
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Transdisciplinary approaches to addressing the Climate Crisis in Higher Education
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Sustainable Campus Initiatives and Best Practices
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Climate Justice, Intersectionality, Equity and Higher Education
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Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives on the Climate Crisis
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Student Activism and Engagement for Climate Action
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Climate Communication, Policy, and Public Engagement Strategies
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The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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Sustainable Development and Community Partnerships
Participants are encouraged to present on other emerging topics on education and the climate crisis.
Conference sub-themes
Invitation to submit a proposal
We welcome submissions for presentations from academics, practitioners, activists, early career researchers and students. The following types of submission are welcomed:
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Individual paper
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Empirical research or theoretical paper to be presented in parallel sessions
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Symposium
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Grouping of three or four paper presentations around a common theme
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Workshop
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Hands-on, participatory session led by a facilitator/s
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Poster
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Presentation of research in visual form inviting small group discussions
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Artistic engagement
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Including poetry, music, visual arts and short films
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Submission requirements
Individual paper – abstract of 250 words
Symposium – overview of 200 words followed by title and 100 word summary of each of the constituent papers.
Workshop – overview of 250 words. The proposal should indicate the objectives of the workshop, target audience and expected number of participants.
Poster presentation – abstract of 150 words
Artistic engagement – either the output itself or a short description
All submissions should contain the following information:
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Names, affiliations and contact details of all authors
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Indicate which is the presenting author
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Indicate which of the subthemes the presentation relates to (or the open strand)
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Indicate whether in-person or virtual.
All abstracts should be submitted to greeneducationhub@ku.ac.ke by Friday, 10th May 2024
Notification of acceptance: 31 May, 2024
Registration opens: 01 June, 2024
Registration fees:
In person attendance – $100 (USD)
Online participation – $50 (USD)
Students (in person or online) – $50 (USD)
General enquiries
General enquiries can be directed to:
Jackline Nyerere (nyerere.jackline@ku.ac.ke),
Purity Muthoni (njeri.purity@ku.ac.ke) or
Tristan McCowan (t.mccowan@ucl.ac.uk)