LJMU to run UK's only degree on climate change

Liverpool John Moores has achieved a climate first by launching the UK’s only degree in climate change studies.

Recruitment to the course is expected to be strong among young people concerned about the climate emergency, with career options after graduation in industry, government and the third sector.

The degree course is also seen as a boost for the city as it bids to be one of the leading ‘green’ cities in Europe and has received warm backing from Liverpool Combined Authority.

Dr Jason Kirby, Head of Geography & Environmental Sciences at LJMU, said: “Young people have huge stake in the future of the environment as they are the ones who have to pick up the pieces of our consumerist society.

“We are delighted to offer them the opportunity to come to Liverpool and graduate as climate change experts because the city and wider community can benefit from their energy and hunger to do things better, cleaner and more sustainably.”

Green city

LJMU recently hosted the city's first Environmental Summit which featured the launch of Liverpool City Region Climate Partnership to co-ordinate the city region’s response to the climate emergency, and open a £500,000 fund to support green community projects.

A new blueprint “Towards A Green Future” sets out steps to achieve a target of zero carbon by 2040 and highlights such advances as lower emission buses, a new fleet of for Merseyrail and 600km cycling and walking network and the Mersey Tidal Power Project.

“Liverpool is the perfect place to study the impacts of climate change as well as the political and technological responses to it,” said course leader Dr Tim Lane.

“Then of course, there’s the Greta Thunberg factor. Young people love what she is doing and hope to see themselves making an impact on protecting the planet.”

Watch our video about the course