The University of East Anglia (UEA) is holding a free, public event on climate change to help inform its new Civic Charter.  

In partnership with ClimateUEA, the event is taking place at the King’s Centre, King’s Street, Norwich, on Wednesday 8 March from 1–5:30pm. It is UEA’s final ‘Open Space’ event, following a series across the region. 

People with an interest in environmental issues linked to climate change on a local, national or global scale are invited to attend.  

The discussion will cover a range of broad issues, including what UEA as a civic university with expertise in climate and environmental research can do to support East Anglian communities affected by environmental change.  

Attendees are welcome to raise issues, such as how to boost regenerative agricultural projects to the power of the arts to find hope where there is climate anxiety. 

All attendees are invited to a free drinks reception at nearby Dragon Hall from 5:30–6:30pm, which includes a talk by Gennadiy Ivanov on his artwork, A Climate Mural For Our Times. 

Dr Natalie Porter, ClimateUEA’s Executive Officer, said: “Whether you are a scientist, activist or a member of the public interested in tackling climate change, you are most welcome to join us. I encourage people from all backgrounds to attend; we offer a supportive, non-judgmental space for anyone who would like to have a say on UEA’s role in addressing climate change in local communities.” 

Professor Fiona Lettice, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation at UEA, added: “As UEA approaches its 60th anniversary this year, the Civic University programme is revisiting the principles of our foundation and our role in East Anglia. We are also reflecting on what has changed in those years, and how we might reshape our responsibilities to meet current and future challenges. With this being our final open space event, it is the last chance to contribute to our new public charter, which will be a living document, renewing UEA’s regional commitments.” 

Dr Ben Little and Dr Johanna Forster, Joint Associate Pro Vice-Chancellors, CivicUEA, commented: “Understanding how UEA can collaborate with communities on climate change will form a cornerstone of the Civic Charter. Since the start of the Civic University programme we have been using experimental and participatory methodologies to gather a wide range of ideas, concerns and values from many different groups and sectors across the region.” 

Designed to encourage relaxed, honest and fair discussion, the tried-and-tested Open Space format will see facilitators set a central theme, with participants refining and managing the agenda themselves. There are no pre-set constraints on what is open for conversation. 

People gather in small groups to focus on their chosen topic but are free to move around the room and contribute to other subjects.  

This event follows previous Civic University open spaces across the region including in Ipswich, Great Yarmouth and Norwich, with diverse groups of communities, individuals and stakeholders. 

You can sign up to the free event by filling out the CivicUEA form or by visiting the UEA Civic University project webpage. 

Questions about participation in the event should be emailed to: civic.university@uea.ac.uk.