Exploring Climate Action through art, activism and decolonization

Royal Roads University’s inaugural Climate Week runs December 4 to 8, offering a wide range of activities for students and the public to explore climate action.

“As Canada’s university for changemakers Royal Roads advocates for climate action in every sector and every facet of life,” says Philip Steenkamp, President and Vice-Chancellor of Royal Roads. “Acting now, while there is still a chance of success, is what we must do, and why Royal Roads has a dedicated program, the Master of Arts in Climate Action Leadership.”

MACAL students will take part in Climate Week in various ways, including sharing their climate insights for an equitable, resilient and sustainable world at an online poster presentation session on December 5.

“Our goal with Climate Week is to elevate diverse climate perspectives including social movements, decolonizing climate action and leadership for just climate action,” says RRU Prof. Robin Cox, program head for the graduate programs in Climate Action Leadership. “We hope to inspire participants to examine climate solutions in a new way.”

Programming throughout the week features panel discussions, lectures, poster presentations and art workshops. Participants can tailor their experience and sign up for as many sessions as they wish on the Climate Week web page.

The culmination of Climate Week takes place on Friday, December 8 with participatory art workshops lead by artist and educator, Dr. Bruno de Oliveira Jayme at the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion. Three 90-minute sessions held throughout the day will bring together community members from all ages to create a climate action art mosaic, including students from across the Greater Victoria Area.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Resilience by Design Lab, Royal Roads and the University of Victoria to bring important discussions about climate change and a climate resilient future to Esquimalt,” says Barbara Desjardins, Mayor of Esquimalt. “Exploring this important issue through art is a wonderful way to engage our community in climate solutions.”

Friday’s event is made possible by a partnership between the Resilience by Design Lab, the Township of Esquimalt and the University of Victoria.

“The opportunity to bring together teacher candidates with middle years and high school students to participate in climate action activities is invaluable for their learning and for making aware our need for climate change education,” says UVic Faculty of Education professor Kathy Sanford. “The art mosaic that these students take part in creating will showcase their learning and draw attention to the need for climate change education.”

Climate Week events are free, and most are open to the public. Pre-registration is required.

Media are welcome to view the panel session on Monday or join us for the art workshops on Friday, Dec. 8. If you are interested in these, or any other sessions, please contact Royal Roads Communications for more information.