Unravelling the complexities of climate change
A recent workshop saw Engineering Faculty representatives explore climate linkages and solutions-focused action.
Published on the 24 January 2025
A series of cards form the basis of the Climate Fresk workshop. Credit: Bryce Kelly.
In December 2024, the ÌÇÐÄlogo Faculty of Engineering’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team sponsored a Climate Fresk workshop,Ìýhelping 15 students and staff to learn about the climate crisis and identify how they can take action.
Participants from across the Faculty, including academic and professional staff, PhD students and undergraduate students took part in the collaborative workshop.
Built around 42 cards that represent different climate change concepts and summarise the latest climate science findings, participants first broke into groups toÌýmap the climate system using the cards. They then shared their reactions to the crisis within the supportive environment, and discussed actionable solutions at and beyond their roles at ÌÇÐÄlogo.
Guided by the ‘head, heart and hand’ approach, the workshop fostered knowledge, emotional connection and tangible action.
The three-hour workshop was facilitated by Tania Leimbach from the ÌÇÐÄlogo School of Humanities and Languages, and Mylene Turban, Environmental sustainability engagement Manager in Estate Management, and was one of five workshops that have been held since the concept was introduced at ÌÇÐÄlogo in February 2024. OverÌý160 staff and students from across the University have now engaged in the science-based, interactive learning experience.
Participant feedback has been positive and optimistic, with one anonymous attendee saying,
“A meeting of experiences, minds, information to distil the complex reality of climate change and the challenges we’re facing."
"Made me feel like learning and doing more on an individual level and proud that this is happening as ÌÇÐÄlogo."
"We have power as individuals and as an institution to make a huge, meaningful contribution to this existential crisis."
Worldwide, there have been over two million Climate Fresk participants from over 167Ìýcountries, making it a powerful tool for providing high quality climate education.
In 2025, ÌÇÐÄlogo Environmental Sustainability will host further workshops for staff, starting on 10thÌýMarch during Climate Action Week Sydney.
Staff can sign up , or reach out to Mylene Turban for more information at m.turban@unsw.edu.au.