Climate change heats up uni

Climate awareness has taken hold of the Union this week.
Leeds University is taking part in a global initiative promoting information about how energy wastage is leading to climate change.
Climate Week aims to teach students about the impact our lifestyles have on the environment, and what needs to be changed in order to live more sustainably.
According to recent findings, Leeds University currently uses enough energy to fill the EDGE swimming pool with CO2 in just 40 minutes.
With current rates of energy usage, the Parkinson Court could also be filled with CO2 in two hours and 40 minutes.
Members of the student exec are campaigning for change.
Leeds University Union (LUU) Community Officer, Paul Gold said: “Leeds University and LUU’s Climate Week is about recognising our impact as a campus on the climate.
The week will allow students and staff to explore ideas and issues around climate change through debates, stalls, film showings and exhibitions.”
On Saturday 26 March, Leeds University will take part in Earth Hour, and will join 128 countries from across the globe in turning off their lights to show that change is possible.
The Parkinson building is just one of the many buildings that will be turned off throughout campus as part of the awareness campaign.
As part of Climate Week, LUU Community Representatives, and current students, John McGuinness and Steve Whiting have also been working on a Shop Local campaign to demonstrate the range of independent shops and services available throughout Hyde Park and     Headingley.
Third year English Language and Literature student, Steve Whiting said: “often students’ experience of Hyde Park is simply the trek from their home to Sainsbury’s or the takeaway and back again, but we want to get the students using the other businesses in the area.
“Our priority has always been to simply get students more involved with the community in which they play such a huge part.”
The campaign suggests that by shopping locally, students can support their local economy, keep the shops interesting and independent, get to know the local area, and save money.
The Shop Local guide lists 45 independent restaurants, fashion stores, supermarkets, hairdressers, and specialist shops in the area.
The leaflet will be distributed in the         Peanut Gallery and the Hidden Café in the union. It will also be spread throughout cafes and businesses in Hyde Park.
For more information about this year’s climate week, visit http://www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/ents/event/3012/