Praise for Lincoln uni for declaring climate emergency

Broadcaster and visiting professor Chris Packham has praised “top work” from the University of Lincoln in declaring a climate emergency.

The university will also launch a manifesto later this year, which will set our its ambitions and approach for combatting climate change.

It said in a statement that changing habits won’t be easy, but the university wants to invest into more climate change research after widespread concerns by staff and students.

Chris Packham, who recently received a CBE for his services to nature conservation, was full of support for the university.

He said in a video: “Massive congratulations to the University of Lincoln for declaring a climate and environment emergency. I think this is a really good step to take because if you declare an emergency, that’s like ringing the fire alarm.

“If you ring the fire alarm then you’ve got to get a fire engine. So now you’ve got to build one and make it work and you are just the people to do it. Top work.”

The University of Lincoln is joining other organisations and institutions around the world, in raising awareness of the threat that climate change poses, by declaring an emergency.

A spokesperson said: “We know there is a lot to do but we are already active in this area and our manifesto will mark a significant step-change across every aspect of our activities.

“The University is developing leading climate change research. We are hosting a significant UK climate change conference this autumn here at Lincoln.

“We will be challenging ourselves and all of our staff and students to change for the better. We will invest and take action over the coming years to help transform our lives for the health of our planet.

“By declaring a climate emergency we acknowledge the deep concerns of our students, our staff and future generations.”

In one of the city’s biggest demonstrations of its kind, people from Extinction Rebellion dropped down “dead” to say that time is running out.