Write up of this event by Joshua Neicho, Middlesex University

On February 24th, the Middlesex University London Enactus Society presented an online screening, attended by Vice-Chancellor Nic Beech, of award-winning Australian film-maker and environmentalist Damon Gameau’s documentary, 2040. The film looks at practical ways of using technology available today to bring down carbon emissions over the next 20 years, when Gameau’s young daughter, Velvet, will have grown up. Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw praised Gameau’s “attractive focus on what individuals can do right now”.

In an online discussion session afterwards, Enactus Society members explored what they thought were the film’s key messages – including “changing ‘I’ to a ‘we'” when thinking about climate action, and “the correlation of female education with the environment and helping the population”. 

Publicity Officer Santiago Andujar said “I wouldn’t have thought that a film about ecology could be so optimistic,” while Navpreet Kaur said “This has made me feel so excited and pumped to do something to help!”

Andrea Malia, Media Officer of Middlesex University Enactus Society said about the event, “It really gives innovative and feasible solutions to climate change,” and Adam Painting, President of Middlesex University Society called it, “Unfathomably inspirational”.

There was also a spirited debate about promoting sustainability on campus, in which the Vice-Chancellor took an active role. Suggestions from attendees included: a garden in Hendon Grove, with installations carrying QR codes linking to every Middlesex University project in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals; a Bloomberg Carbon Clock or a vegetable patch in the Quad; environmental dashboards in every building; carbon literacy training for all staff and students; and better meat-free catering options.

The Vice-Chancellor said there was a “massive opportunity for culture change”. He encouraged the Enactus Society to choose some focused short-term aims to work on as well as long-term objectives, and invited them to meet with the University Executive Team. In preparation for this, a meeting between Enactus Society members and the MDX Environment Steering Group is set for the end of May.

You can read more about Middlesex University’s Fairtrade Fortnight events here.