Sir, – I strongly agree with Prof Hannah Daly’s article “Are universities an obstacle to climate action by reinforcing the status quo?” (Science, Opinion, July 4th).
She argues that universities should actively advocate for urgent climate action.
Universities should not only generate knowledge but also ensure its application.
They must prioritise social and ecological wellbeing over economic outcomes and engage in public debates to drive change.
Ann Ingle: Deliberately going out of my way to move for no particular reason has never appealed to me
Gerry Thornley: How about an alternative look at Ireland’s Six Nations win over England?
Is Ireland anti-Semitic, an outlier of tolerance or in the middle ground?
How risky is it to buy a second-hand EV?
The view that implementation is solely the Government’s responsibility overlooks the urgency of the climate crisis.
Universities must advocate for policies based on their findings.
This is about survival, not ideology.
Additionally, universities should address broader social, economic, and political justice issues, such as war, poverty, and human rights abuses, to foster a more just and equitable world.
It is time for universities to embrace their role as catalysts for change and actively participate in shaping a sustainable future. – Yours, etc,
Dr GERTRUDE COTTER,
Lecturer in Global Citizenship and Development Education,
School of Education,
University College Cork.
