Universities in Climate Transition
On 22 January, the evening before Maastricht University’s 50th birthday, the event ‘Universities in Climate Transition’ brought together a broad and engaged academic community to reflect on the role of higher education institutes on the road towards a sustainable and just society. Faculties, staff members, and students were all well represented, highlighting a shared commitment across the university to contribute to climate transition efforts.
The panel consisted of:
- Peter Stenvinkel, recipient of an honorary doctorate at the 50th Dies Natalis
- Roger Cox, recipient of an honorary doctorate at the 50th Dies Natalis
- Frans Timmermans, Former leader of GroenLinks-PvdA, diplomat and former First Vice-President of the European Commission (European Green Deal)
- UM student: Ester Barel from the Faculty of Law
- UM staff member: Hafez Ismaili M’Hamdi from the Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences
Important insights were shared. Peter Stenvinkel stressed the importance of learning from nature to better understand how to combat the current issues on our planet. ‘We need to take care of the planet, so the planet can continue to take care of us,’ as mentioned by Hafez Ismaili M’Hamdi. Frans Timmermans raised important topics that our security is directly related to the climate transition and that a university needs to engage with everyone in society. Roger Cox mentioned that the biggest block in our climate transition is the power of the fossil fuel industry. Our UM student Ester Barel fights for climate justice by addressing the political challenges.
The microphone was also handed to our UM audience. Some comments from staff and students were: “We need to be more ambitious.” “Look at the positive effect of our actions, instead of always pointing out the negative.” “Students are not aware of their own individual impact and don’t use the knowledge that they are given.” “We need to practice what we preach.”
Overall, the panel discussion demonstrated that meaningful climate action within higher education depends on inclusive dialogue and shared responsibility across faculties, staff, and students.
Are you curious to know what was shared and said? Check out the recording of the dialogue here.
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