Coastland College marks COP 30 Climate Conference with its biggest ever Environment Week

Members of Weymouth Climate Hub pictured at the Weymouth Campus during Environment Week

Coastland College has marked the start of the COP International Climate Conference with its largest and most ambitious Environment Week to date – and, for the first time, the programme ran across both the Weymouth and Kingston Maurward campuses following the merger last year.

Across five days, students took part in more than 80 talks and workshops, raising awareness of environmental issues of particular relevance to various courses, exploring the climate and ecological challenges shaping our world, and the solutions emerging across industry, science, finance, community action and the natural environment.

The week reflected Coastland College’s commitment to creating a future-ready community, one that is informed, resilient and empowered to lead change.

Speakers joining this year included leading voices from AECOM, Dorset Council Climate Sector, Dorset Coast Forum, Dorset Local Nature Partnership, NatWest, Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute, Sea Hives, Transition Towns, Weymouth Climate Hub, and international agro-ecology and social justice activist Oluwatosin Atanda.

Recycle for Dorset displayed environmentally-friendly packaging and waste disposal items

Construction students explored how the built environment can be decarbonised, Geography students uncovered the evolving story of Chesil Beach, and Agriculture learners examined how climate change is already reshaping Dorset’s landscape.

Business students were introduced to low-carbon finance, while creative arts learners heard how nature and photography can support wellbeing and recovery. Sessions also highlighted global perspectives, raising awareness of how UK lifestyles directly impact communities across Africa.

Alongside the talks, the Weymouth campus hosted interactive exhibitions from Low Carbon Dorset, Dorset Council’s Recycling Team, and the Weymouth Climate Hub, as well as a student poster competition celebrating ideas for positive environmental action.

Julie Ann Booker and Caz Dennet from Dorset Climate Hub and Extinction Rebellion, talking to Foundation Students about how we can save and restore local nature

Organised by Student Liaison Officer Peter Vowles, Environment Week built on Coastland College’s long-term sustainability strategy, which sets out clear targets to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and protect local biodiversity.

As part of this, the College continues to invest in responsible waste management, low-carbon technologies and climate-positive learning experiences.

Principal and CEO Kate Wills commented: “Our first shared Environment Week has shown what is possible when two campuses come together with one vision.

“Every talk, every discussion and every question from our students reflects our mission to prepare people for a changing world and to help them lead with confidence. Sustainability isn’t a theme for one week – it’s an essential part of who we are as Coastland College.”

Matthew Smith from Dorset Coast Forum talking about Chesil Beach to Construction students