Inaugural UCD Global Big Zero students presented with carbon literacy certificates
Wednesday, 27 November, 2024
The first students to complete the UCD Global Big Zero programme (pictured above) were yesterday presented with their carbon literacy certificates, accredited by (opens in a new window)The Carbon Literacy Project.
This co-curricular was a collaboration with the organisation (opens in a new window)Big Zero and supported by UCD Sustainability seed funding.
The programme embedded sustainability education into the learning abroad experience for UCD’s international students.
The 32 Big Zero participants, from 15 different countries, learned about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how to take positive action towards creating a more sustainable higher education sector.
A UCD Big Zero highlight was an overnight trip to county Clare where students visited nature restoration charity (opens in a new window)Hometree to learn about the myths and legends of native Irish trees and plans to create a wild Atlantic rainforest. They also visited the non-profit social enterprise (opens in a new window)Common Knowledge, which shares skills in building, making, mending and growing to help create a sustainable future.
UCD Big Zero was spearheaded by Caroline Mangan, Associate Director of Global Community, who described it as “one of the highlights” of her year.
“Seeing 32 students receive their carbon literacy certificates during the closing ceremony brought a great sense of achievement for all involved. Following the submission of their climate action plans, the students received a carbon literacy micro-credential accredited by the The Carbon Literacy Project and have committed to implementing a number of climate actions in Ireland and abroad. It was inspiring to hear the ideas shared by the students and the value which they placed on this programme for building intercultural connections and a sense of community at UCD.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony, UCD’s Vice President for Sustainability, Professor Tasman Crowe said: “This was a fantastic initiative with a diverse group of students who were clearly inspired by their experiences and ready to bring their learnings to a wider audience in their home institutions and countries. Congratulations to all involved!”