Right at the start of the semester, close to 240 students participated in the first Climate Fresk, a dynamic workshop designed to raise awareness and inspire action on climate change. The Sustainability Fresks are one of the major steps in the University’s ongoing commitment to these important issues.
As the workshop was starting, Matthieu Gillieron, project manager in the University of Luxembourg’s Sustainability Team , rushed through the corridor with a big smile on his face. "I’m very, very excited! Today, we have 240 students doing the Climate Fresk, and I’m pretty sure it’s a record for Luxembourg, " he exclaimed.
Future leaders of an in-depth transformation
Coordinated by the Chief Sustainability Officer, Laurent Betry, and his team, the workshop focused on fostering a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change. "It’s really important that students don’t just learn from social networks or random articles but get to know the scientific facts," Betry explained. "Students are the citizens of tomorrow who will be in charge of society. It is really great that these students are coming together to compare their points of view, multiply their perspectives and broaden their understanding."
Students from diverse semesters and disciplines gathered around tables, collaborating to discuss climate change and explore how they can make a difference. Xinyan Chen, a Business Administration student, emphasised the significance of such education. "It’s crucial for every citizen on this planet to learn what we have done in the past to cause climate change, what we are facing now, and what we can do in the future to change things," she asserted. "Every single little step is a big step for all’of humanity."
Her fellow student, Goncalo Ferreira, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how he enjoys discussing with other students possible solutions to climate change: "We’re all learning together, which helps us feel united in this effort."
Mixing different perspectives
For Feyza-Nur Ilhan, another Business Administration student, the experience was even more transformative. "Honestly, before doing this Fresk, I didn’t think it would be useful. But in fact, I learned a lot, " she admitted. Coming from a field that doesn’t primarily focus on environmental issues, the workshop provided her with a fresh perspective. "In Business Administration, we aren’t really focused on climate change. But now, I’ve learned so much about environmental issues that are relevant to me and my life." She recognised the growing importance of sustainability in business: "Sustainability is at the heart of innovation, and companies will expect us to innovate in eco-responsible ways."
However, not all reactions are entirely optimistic. Nursing student Austin Jacques shared a more somber outlook. "It’s kind of depressing, seeing what’s about to come if we don’t change anything, " he remarked. Austin? expressed concern that climate change does not receive the same attention as other global issues, such as armed conflicts, and he fears that rising temperatures and the influx of climate refugees may soon impact Luxembourg as well. "If temperatures continue to rise, it might not be possible to live in certain cities."
Raise awareness, inform and train
The Climate Fresk at the University of Luxembourg is more than just an educational workshop; it is a collective journey towards a greater understanding of the complexities of climate change and a call to action. As Betry aptly stated, "Climate change concerns everybody and all disciplines, so the whole university can contribute."
Through initiatives like this, the University is cultivating a generation of informed, motivated students ready to confront one of the greatest challenges of our time. As these students return to their respective fields, they will carry with them the lessons learned from the Climate Fresk-lessons that could very well shape the future of our planet.
The University’s Sustainability Fresks will also include workshops on mobility, biodiversity and digitalisation throughout the year.
