Climate Action and Ethical Responsibility of Catholic Universities
Entitled "An Action for Climate Strategy", it was written by Maryon Urbina, Sustainability Director of UC Chile, and reflects the ethical responsibility of Catholic Universities to face contemporary global challenges in their teaching and research activities, in community involvement and in setting an example for society.
"In 2019 became the first Chilean University to declare a climate emergency, join the Race to Zero, and commit to carbon neutrality by 2038, the year the institution will celebrate its 150th anniversary", says Maryon Urbina, praising UC Chile's progress in promoting climate action.
Since 2020, UC Chile has developed an organisational structure and a participatory process, forming a climate action council that includes representatives from the operational, educational and research areas, as well as students. In 2023, the University published its Climate Action Strategy and, so far, notable progress has been made.
Catholic universities' consideration of SDG 13, Climate Action, is a natural extension of their fundamental principles, educational mission and commitment to society. Adopting this goal to form agents of positive change is fundamental for a world that desperately needs sustainable and just solutions.
Catalina Miranda, an Engineering student at UC Chile, and president of the organisation 'La Raiz', shares "Climate action is in our hands and we can all, through a simple choice, change the course of the climate, together." 'La Raiz' is a university organisation dedicated to training and action in sustainability, through the development of projects and education, where it seeks to train and involve agents of change in sustainable development.
The Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities, network co-founded by Universidade Católica Portuguesa, monthly shares insights from SACRU experts and students on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.