The Oxford Climate Action Plan lays out a plan of action for how the Collegiate and Central University can respond to the climate emergency. Relevant for what colleges must do, it highlights carbon policies, energy and water management, food, waste management, land use, and transport as the key areas of focus.The plan was written by a wide range of researchers, experts, students and staff at colleges and departments across Oxford. Among others, the plan draws on research and resources from the Oxford University Sustainability Department, the Oxford Martin School for research and policy for a sustainable and inclusive future, and the Oxford Smith School for Enterprise and Environment. The action plan was co-authored by OCS, OUSU, and university staff to unify and streamline efforts across the University.
Read the full Climate Action Plan here
You can work with us to deliver the climate action plan in your college or department! Over the course of the year our campaigns team is translating the action points of the plan into policy suggestions and goals, and organising workshops which closely follow the Oxford Climate Action Plan. Take a look at our series of workshops for staff, students and bursars here.
We will also facilitate the process of engagement with your college by putting you in touch with other students and staff. If you would like to find out more, drop us an email here.
The action plan focuses on the following areas*:
1. Sustainable Operations: Go net zero carbon in Oxford's Operations by 2030 and absolute zero by 2050.
2. Expand Climate Thinking: Expand the climate curriculum so that every student has access by 2030. Expand research/teaching on climate solutions across departments.
3. Finances and partnerships: Leverage Oxford's investments and global network to incentivise climate action, engage and divest from companies without a net zero plan.
*Under each of these areas are three proven and measurable mechanisms to and targets.
The goals in the action plan required cooperation from every corner of the university, across colleges, departments and administration. This plan has been contributed to by a wide range of researchers, experts, students and staff across Oxford. The plan draws on research and resources from the Oxford University Sustainability Department, the Oxford Martin School for research and policy for a sustainable and inclusive future, The Oxford Smith School for Enterprise and Environment, and input from experts involved with the Conservation Hierarchy Project led by Professor EJ Milner-Gulland and funded by the Fell Fund.