Liverpool's Climate Champion, Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins
In addition to our range of activities lined up this week celebrating being sustainable in our daily lives, your VP Community Engagement Megan interviewed local councillor and Liverpool’s Climate Champion Laura Robertson-Collins on her views about having environmental impact as a student and more!
You are Liverpool's first 'Climate Champion' - What does it mean to be a Climate Champion?
I am Liverpool City Council's 'Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability' - a new post created as part of LCC declaring 'Climate Emergency' last summer. This means I to have to ensure that everything the council does (buildings, services, transport plans, etc.) are as sustainable as possible and that we are carbon neutral for 2030.
There is a limit to what the council or government can do however, and everyone has to play their part to resolve the emergency - so everyone has to be a 'Climate Champion'!
What can LJMU students do to help their local community be more sustainable?
Students are pretty good at walking, cycling, and using public transport and of course not owning a car is really helpful. Liverpool is looking to introduce a 'Clean Air Zone' soon so those polluting will have to pay to drive in the city centre. Please think about your local environment in Liverpool: get involved in food growing schemes and community gardens, or help with litter-picks in your area (check out your local park friends group for info on activities). AND try to make as little waste as possible, and re-use or recycle as much as you can - don’t buy stuff that has a short lifespan and no subsequent use, and please don’t leave bottles and food wrappers in the street (e.g. on your way home after a night out) - this upsets your neighbours as well as polluting the planet!
As a local councillor, would you suggest being politically active could be a way to help combat climate change?
Being active in electoral politics is one important way to campaign on climate change, but is not the only one. Some of the most influential people on this recently have not been old enough to vote - yet the school strikes made a big impact and forced politicians to act! It is important to persuade those who make decisions (nationally and locally) to take action on issues - so understanding and participating in the political system is important, yes.
Do you think declaring Climate Emergency is important? If so, why?
Making a formal declaration around the Climate Emergency was very useful because it drew media attention to this. All political parties on the council signed up and agreed this action together - which is unusual in itself and attracted publicity. It was only the beginning of changing priorities and examining the way we do things as a local authority of course - but I can also use it to remind people that the entire organisation is committed to sustainability and so it must be integral to everything we do!
What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue regarding unsustainable behaviour on campuses?
The biggest issue that students bring is the cyclical and transient nature of student tenancies and housing patterns. Every summer tens of thousands of young people move out of their rented accommodation - and landlords send in contract cleaners who dump tonnes of food, clothing, bedding , crockery , cutlery into the bins! Please try to take all your possessions with you when you move, or donate to charity shops or the 'Leave Liverpool Tidy' scheme at UoL Student Union - and tell the landlords you are happy to wash and use the kitchen utensils from the previous tenants!
Watch out across campus this week for JMSU’s events and participate in fighting for our environment (and consequently, our future!)
If you were inspired by this or have even had an idea for a while, remember you can always get our support in creating your own campaign for change!
