Birkbeck Climate Festival 2025 - Inspire action for a greener future
Learn to live more sustainably with our series of in-person and online events.
Birkbeck is hosting its second annual Climate Festival from 17th–21st March 2025. This celebration of sustainability promises to spark fresh ideas and explore the difference people can make both locally and globally, through a series of in-person and online events.
This year, we’re bringing together leading researchers, passionate students, and influential industry experts for a series of interactive, thought-provoking sessions. Discussions will focus on the urgent challenges shaping our world—from cutting-edge energy innovations and the evolving landscape of climate emotions to the future of urban food systems and transformative interdisciplinary collaborations.
Events include a panel discussion about the intersection of technology, policy, and finance in building sustainable energy solutions, an interactive session around climate anxiety and climate emotions, and a hands-on workshop learning about the art of Sashiko—the traditional Japanese mending technique.
The festival closes with an informal lunch time session with Birkbeck staff and students offering prospective students a chance to engage with faculty and current students across Birkbeck’s climate-focused programmes.
Professor Joanne Leal, Pro Vice Chancellor – Academic Projects at Birkbeck, says: “The Birkbeck Climate Festival aims to stimulate discussion and thought about the environment and sustainability. It will provide an incubator for new ideas and exploration into how we can all make a difference both locally and globally.”
Birkbeck Climate Festival 2025 promises a rich and diverse programme that highlights the university’s commitment to sustainability, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement. Whether you’re a student, researcher, industry professional, or simply passionate about the environment, there is something for everyone in this thought-provoking festival. More events and announcements may be added closer to the time, so stay tuned for updates.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
Monday 17 March
- Data, Technology & Sustainability: Birkbeck’s Role in Driving Inclusive Energy Solutions - Exploring how energy utilities, efficiency, and net-zero strategies can be made accessible and equitable.
- Disrupting the Energy Industry: Building a More Sustainable and Inclusive Future - Panel discussion with Greg Jackson (CEO, Octopus Energy) and Dr. Joshua Macabuag (Renew-Risk).
Tuesday 18 March
- Sustainable Pet Care – Examining the environmental impact of pet treatments.
- Why Do We Need Each Other? – Exploring interdisciplinary sustainability research with experts from science and business.
Wednesday 19 March
- Climate Emotions – Discussing anxiety, grief, and solastalgia in response to climate change.
- Humans' Relationship with Nature in Early Greek Thought – Exploring early philosophical ideas on the relationship between humans and nature.
- PhD Spotlights – Showcasing cutting-edge research from doctoral researchers on literature, ecology, and environmental science.
Thursday 20 March
- Breakfast with Birkbeck' Environment & Sustainability Webinar - discussing financing a greener world.
- Sashiko Mending Workshop – Hands-on repair techniques for sustainable fashion.
- Storytelling and Resilience in the Anthropocene - Exploring how storytelling and VR shape resilience and concepts of climate justice in the face of planetary change.
- Urban Food Systems – Rethinking city food chains for a just transition.
Friday 21 March
- A Taste of Our Programmes – Join Birkbeck staff and students online for an informal lunchtime session exploring our climate and sustainability focused programmes.
The Birkbeck Climate Festival 2025 is a collaborative, interdisciplinary event showcasing research, education, and action on climate justice, bringing together expertise from across Birkbeck’s three faculties with support from the Birkbeck Research Centre for Environment and Sustainability and the Development and Alumni team.