Meet our 2024 Student Ambassadors

• Lama Alkhayer, Qatar University, Environmental Science BSc

• Chloe Bracewell, Manchester Metropolitan University, Environmental Science BSc 

• Matilda Brambilla, Manchester Metropolitan University, Environmental Science BSc

• Negin Mokri, Middlesex University, Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc

• Bradley Moresby-White, University of Plymouth, Environmental Science BSc with Placement Year and Year Abroad

• Millicent Wenlock, University of Stirling, Environmental Science BSc

Cool Coalition:

Living in Qatar, where high temperatures necessitate the widespread use of air conditioners for extended periods, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions and worsens global warming, the Cool Coalition has emerged as an inspiring force in my journey towards climate action. The Coalition's commitment to promoting efficient and climate-friendly cooling aligns seamlessly with the challenges my community faces due to extreme heat. 

The Cool Coalition's mission to reduce, shift, improve, and protect through global collaboration showcases a holistic approach that captures my imagination. The emphasis on transitioning to renewables, enhancing the efficiency of cooling equipment, and promoting sustainable urban planning speaks directly to the need for transformative actions in my community.

Taking this initiative to other places holds potential, although barriers may arise from local differences, varying infrastructure development levels, and diverse stakeholder commitments. Overcoming these challenges necessitates tailored strategies and robust collaboration among a diverse set of actors, akin to the Cool Coalition's successful model.

As a Student Ambassador, the initiatives of the Cool Coalition drive me to actively raise awareness about the significance of sustainable cooling practices. The commitment of 26 governments, influential cities such as Copenhagen, and major companies to create comprehensive cooling plans and decrease emissions inspires me to catalyze change in my local community. I am energized by the opportunity to join a global movement that confronts climate challenges directly and contributes to a more sustainable and cooler future for communities worldwide.

In the summer just gone, I undertook an internship in Tenerife, home to one of the biggest habitats for pilot whales and bottle nose dolphins. Due to marine pollution, I thought it was a relevant course to undertake.

I worked in conservation where I would inform visitors of the direct impact from tourist activity to biodiversity in the ocean, activities such as jet skiing and whale touring were popular activities and had the most significant impact. Additionally, how important these species are to the wildlife and maintaining their livelihood. Each day I would go out on the boat and survey their habitat and their pod patterns seeing which whales travelled together and we analysed their behaviours.

I learnt how significant tourist activity is, and how it can be stopped and controlled if people understood individually their own impact.

My institution has been involved in many sustainability programmes and climate action. A climate action that has taken my interest involved reducing airport carbon emissions.

In the early 2000s Professor Paul Hooper noticed inconsistent reporting practices hindering environmental performance comparisons among airline operators. Professor Callum Thomas and Professor Hooper, subsequently, decided to develop a tool that measured their carbon footprint which revealed variability and complexities within the aviation sector. They were working with Manchester airport on this prototype. Some later research helped defined the airport system for emissions reporting “scope 3” which covered all areas such as aircraft, waste, supply chains and various utilities. After this study was conducted, they found that most air operators were likely under reporting emissions by more than 90%. Two of my lecturers, Chris Paling and Dr Rachel Dunk, re-evaluated scope 3 reporting, and highlighted that airport operators are still inadequately reporting these emissions which obscured their full climate change contribution. This research directly shaped the creation of Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA). The leading to global carbon management certification for airports.

For me, "Consume less, waste less" and "Save energy at home" are not just abstract climate actions; they are personal commitments that empower me to make a tangible impact in combating climate change. Embracing a conscious consumption mindset means I actively seek out environmentally friendly products, considering factors like durability and recyclability. By doing so, I know I am directly reducing the demand for resources and lessening my environmental footprint.

Choosing reusable alternatives over single-use plastics aligns with my belief in minimizing waste. I find satisfaction in contributing to waste reduction and preserving ecosystems by opting for items like reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Additionally, the act of upcycling or recycling items resonates with my commitment to giving materials a second life rather than contributing to landfill waste.

In terms of "Save energy at home," I see my household as a significant player in the energy consumption game. Opting for energy-efficient appliances and implementing measures like proper insulation and smart thermostats is not just a practical approach but a reflection of my commitment to reducing my carbon footprint. Unplugging electronic devices when not in use is a small yet impactful habit that aligns with my personal responsibility to curtail unnecessary energy consumption.

The personal benefits, such as cost savings from reduced utility bills, further motivate me to embrace these actions. Knowing that my individual choices contribute, even in a small way, to a more sustainable future aligns with my broader goal of environmental stewardship. It's not just about global efforts; it's about my daily choices resonating with a commitment to a greener, more sustainable world.

 As an EDF Energy Nuclear Operations employee and BSc Environmental Sciences student, I am greatly heartened by the COP28 commitment to triple nuclear power by 2050.

This declaration comes at a time when public scepticism towards nuclear energy is receding, especially among young people, whilst the IPCC, IAEA and IEA are in unanimous agreement over the role of nuclear energy in combating climate change. Internationally, opinion polls reflect a growing acceptance of nuclear power in a shift in attitudes from past radiophobia to greater pragmatism.

Nuclear energy's role as a stable base load source is crucial, complementing the intermittency of staple renewables like wind and solar. Young people especially recognize nuclear energy as essential for a sustainable energy future. This declaration, against the backdrop of shifting public opinion, makes me hopeful as to me it signals a readiness for more pragmatic, science-based policy decisions in energy planning, which is fundamental both to grid electrification and a total economic shift away from fossil fuels.

My hope is that this trend paves the way for policies that are environmentally sound and also widely supported by the public, replacing past fears with the opportunities of an optimistic future.

Passionate about environmental sustainability, I am actively involved in climate action initiatives, such as Cairngorms Youth Action Team. I advocate for the National Park's youth-friendly transformation, helping to organise events to empower young people in sustainability endeavours. Through volunteering with the Marine Conservation Society, I participate in beach cleaning and collaborate with the society's campaigns to protect marine ecosystems. I serve as an advisor for the Markets & Finance Working Group and Green Jobs Working Group of the Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC - YOUNGO), where I facilitate workshops, engage in advocacy, and collaborate with youth-led organisations to advance climate action.

As a Student Trustee at the University of Stirling Students’ Union, I contribute to decision-making processes at the unions’, advocating for student perspectives and promoting sustainability initiatives. This summer, I worked as a Research Intern at The Conservation Volunteers, designing a standard methodology for surveying indicator species and creating species identification charts to support local conservation efforts. Recognised as a top 10 Finalist for the Construction, Engineering & Environment Undergraduate of the Year Award 2023, I continue to strive for excellence in sustainability endeavours and aspire to make a significant contribution to environmental preservation.