Love Your Planet 2025: UCL’s Call to Action for Climate Crisis

25 February 2025

VPEE Student Writer, Hetvi Rutvikbhai Bhatt, attended Love Your Planet – a ground breaking initiative organised by UCL Grand Challenges in collaboration with the Climate Reality Project and Climate Cafe® – to give you a snapshot review and provide key takeaways from the day.

Author: VPEE Student Writer, Hetvi Rutvikbhai Bhatt

Valentine’s week celebrates love—so why not extend that to our planet? On the 17th of February 2025, UCL Grand Challenges hosted its second ‘Love Your Planet’ event at the Institute of Education. The event aimed to transform awareness into action, exploring how businesses, policymakers, academics, and activists in the UK can accelerate the green transition.

The day began with welcome talks from the event organisers, Prof Mark Maslin (Pro-Vice-Provost for UCL’s Grand Challenge of Climate Crisis), and Shooka Bidarian (Environmental Correspondent and Sustainability Expert) followed by Alan Salazar Guerra (UCL Student Union) who emphasised that students must be the voice of universities. Phyllis Cuttino (President and CEO of The Climate Reality Project), addressed attendees via video, stressing that “Hope and political will are needed.” She reflected on how ‘Resolve,’ ‘Resilience,’ and ‘Reality’ are key to tackling the climate crisis.

Are international climate negotiations fit for purpose?

The first session focused on climate negotiations, with Sir David King (former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government), opening the discussion. He presented real-time data highlighting the shortcomings of past legislation and emphasised, “We are a part of nature, not apart from nature.” He argued that time is not on our side and called for global resilience strategies. Farhana Yamin (Climate Lawyer and Activist) defended negotiations, stating, “We must not lose hope in the power of international negotiations. Dr Jared Finnegan (UCL Political Science) supported Yamin, emphasising that negotiations empower the less powerful: “Monitoring the system is the key for governing economies.” Andrew Simms (New Weather Institute) highlighted the role of consumer culture: “Commercialisation is teaching us to live like there is no tomorrow,” suggesting a lifestyle shift could drive change. Shooka Bidarian acknowledged progress but noted that climate policies are often politically driven, affirming, “Climate justice is not resolved.” She also shed light on the essential role of the media, which is not only limited to acting as watchdogs but also to challenge misinformation and disinformation.

How rapidly can the UK reach net zero?

The second session, exploring how rapidly the UK can reach net zero, featured insightful comments from a panel of inspiring thought leaders. Professor Piers Forster (Climate Change Committee) was optimistic, stating that net zero by 2050 is achievable and advising, “Focus on smaller targets.” Neil Anderson (Soly UK) reinforced this optimism, saying, “We can get there if we adopt renewables.” Professor Susan Michie (Director of the UCL Centre for Behaviour Change) highlighted behavioural barriers: “We sometimes feel that the issue is so vast that we are too small to make a difference.” She stressed the need for clear messages on sustainable actions and incentives to combat ‘Threat aversion.’ Owen Jones (Journalist and Author) elaborated on how the government has a long way to go to achieve net zero. Professor Eloise Scotford (UCL Laws) built on Jones’ statements. “Holding government accountable is important and a repeated process of review and revise of policies is essential in reaching net zero”, Scotford asserted.

Networking lunch and exhibition

Over lunch, Jeffery Hall was transformed into an exhibition space where we could grab a bite to eat while looking at the posters created by UCL Grand Challenges small grant project leaders, alongside stands from other groups from UCL and beyond (BSI, UCL Climate Action Society, UCL Zero Food Waste, Climate Reality, UCL Press). The small grants projects posters gave us a unique insight into the diverse methods in which UCL is taking an interdisciplinary approach to tackling the climate crisis, while the other displays highlighted how many different voices there are in this important area.

'Hot Mess' climate comedy

A stand-up comedy session by Dr Mark Winning, leading climate change economist, comedian and author of the best-selling book 'Hot Mess', helps us deal with the realities of climate change through comedy. He joked, “Talking about climate change is like talking about your partner’s job—you think you know until someone asks!” His witty take prompted reflection on how well we truly understand the issue.

How can local communities accelerate the net-zero transition?

The third session focused on what local communities can do to accelerate the net-zero transition, showcasing diverse perspectives. Ollie Pendered (CEO of Community Energy South) highlighted the need for inclusive energy solutions, noting, “Some people need to decide between eating and heating.” Panellist Harold Garner (London Borough of Camden) stressed, “We need to develop projects that mean something to people.” Emma Fletcher (Octopus Energy) acknowledged challenges in engaging communities. “Not everyone will agree with you a hundred percent”, she admitted but cost savings from sustainability can potentially persuade people to adopt smarter energy decisions. Mark Chivers (Zero Carbon Dorset) advocated for community discussions, frequently asking, “What would it be like to reach net zero?” Jess Pepper (Climate Cafe®) described her initiative’s impact: “Climate cafes offer informal spaces for people to connect and chat about climate change over a cup of tea.”

Fireside chat and closing remarks

The final session included a fireside chat with BBC broadcaster and author Tom Heap and Shooka Bidarian, exploring how to present climate issues in the media. They discussed Heap’s new book, Land Smart, which explores ‘nature-based solutions’ and the ‘collateral benefits’ of sustainable living. While Heap acknowledged the challenge of securing airtime for climate issues, he shared strategies to persuade audiences. “Be careful about using jargon and don’t make people feel they have to do all the work’’, he advised. Both agreed that a positive media approach is key to audience receptiveness. The session concluded with closing remarks from Prof Mark Maslin, followed by a pop-up climate café in Jefferey Hall which encouraged networking and discussions on climate action and collective solutions.

It was an insightful day, not only because I found answers to many of my climate change questions but also because I left with a deep sense of pride in studying at an institution that empowers students to drive meaningful change.

Photo credit: Alejandro Salinas