
University of Wollongong academics and staff will this week demand that Vice-Chancellor Paul Wellings declares a climate emergency, to bring the campus in line with other universities, local councils and a motion currently before NSW Parliament.
The demand by staff will be launched tomorrow, on the first day of Global Climate Change Week activities at UOW.
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Climate change week organiser Dr George Takacs said official management recognition meant detailed action plans could be put in place to allow UOW to become a net zero emissions university by 2030.
"Our university leaders must take a leadership role on climate change," he said.
"Our university has a huge opportunity now to ensure we are leading the transition to a safe climate future."
During climate change week, the university will host free lectures, talks and information sharing on climate science, climate action and just transitions for workers in carbon intensive industries.
Other events include an eco food challenge, a panel discussion on working towards an environmentally-friendly Wollongong in 2040, a workshop on cleaning with essential oils, and a public lecture by Eureka Prize winner Kerrylee Rogers on coastal processes and climate change.

Kate McIlwain
For the past 11 years, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. In that time I've covered breaking news, education, politics, urban affairs, council, environment, data journalism and development news. More recently, I became the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents two years into a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For the past 11 years, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. In that time I've covered breaking news, education, politics, urban affairs, council, environment, data journalism and development news. More recently, I became the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents two years into a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.