
Climate change is happening. The issue has been recognised as a global predicament, requiring immediate action. Thus the UN conference held in December 2009 in Copenhagen had the sole purpose to agree on a framework to mitigate climate change beyond 2012 around the world. Here at Birmingham University a lot of research goes on in relation to climate change, but what action is the university taking to reduce their contribution of greenhouse gases? Every year Birmingham University spends an extortionate £20 million on electricity. Although it is one of the largest universities in England, many of the buildings have very poor energy efficiency, not only wasting money, but also unnecessarily contributing to climate change. There is no doubt that the university could increase the energy efficiency in many buildings, which in turn would save the university money and allow the university to run in a more sustainable fashion. With a reduction in electricity costs, this would give the university less reason to increase our tuition fees every year. Please sign the petition if you want to see the university reduce their carbon footprint and save us money!
It is morally unjust to ask younger generations to pay even more for their education when older generations (including my own) benefited from not only free university but also cheaper housing, availability of good pensions with jobs and a stronger economic climate overall. They will graduate be facing a mountain of debt, unaffordable houses, global warming and many fewer jobs. Why should we ask them them to pay for our mistakes? Take away tax benefits for high earners and tighten up laws on tax avoiding corporations. Shame on the coalition
Why would you do this to us?! I have now changed my mind about going to uni which might just ruin my future.