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Oxford Climate Summer School an inspirational success

Published

Inspirational, energetic, impressive. These three words could not be more apt in describing five Future Climate Innovators who are attending our Summer School.

The inaugural two week Future Climate Innovators Summer School is coming to a close. But, fizzing with energy and excitement, the students have become even more passionate about the environment – and are full of ideas.

In a ground-breaking move, the School has played host this summer to 32 students from around the world. Based at Oxford Saïd and staying at the University's St John's College, they have been in Oxford to learn more about climate change from leading experts and then come up with environmentally-friendly and innovative ideas. It has been a hectic fortnight, full of new knowledge, amazing opportunities, collaboration across continents - and fun.

The five, from as far afield as South Korea, India, Dubai (and Swindon), had come through stiff competition to secure places on the summer school. It was a real challenge just to get to Oxford and there were some tense moments for the students, before the emails finally arrived, inviting them to come to Oxford for the summer school. In the event, three of the five had won through Oxford Saïd-Burjeel Holdings 2023’s Climate Change Challenge – and two others were awarded scholarships because of their amazing potential.

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The five students

Last week, the students learnt more about climate issues from a range of experts and leaders at Oxford. This week, they are coming up with their own thoughtful and intriguing plans for businesses which will make a difference. We are fortunate to have them on the case. But what did they think? The five talk enthusiastically about the time they have had learning about climate and working together to come up with business ideas. The summer school has clearly been a resounding success with the students. 

‘It has been massively inspiring,’ said Junhyeok, speaking for all. ‘It has also been very good to meet young climate pioneers from all over the world.’

Varun, who was nominated for the summer school by the NGO which operates his school, added: ‘We have learned about different aspects of climate change and what business can do [in terms of the environment]. And we’ve really enjoyed learning. In the first week, we acquired critical knowledge, now we are thinking about business ideas.’

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They all agreed the summer school has made them even more committed to the environmental challenge and has encouraged several to think about changing their university plans. Elvina is now thinking about studying Geography or Earth Science at university. 

Varun has long-standing ambitions to do Computer Science and be an engineer but, like Junhyeok, he also wants to have some environmental element to his work – as does Aniba, who is aiming for Business and Economics.

They all radiate enthusiasm for this week’s programme. Lizzy, who is also thinking of ways to study the environment at university, said: ‘This morning, we were given half an hour to come up with 12 ideas [for sustainable businesses] and then think of the pros and cons of each…we came up with 12 and then ruled them all out and chose a completely new one.’

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At the Botanical Gardens

Lizzy and Varun are on the same business team and, when they spoke, were in mid-development of a plan for an eco-friendly endeavour which would take in all aspects of building, from materials to solar panels to architecture.

Junhyeok, who already has a passionate interest in Biology, talked about the futuristic project his team is working on, involving photosynthesis. Meanwhile, Elvina and Aniba are working on a ground-breaking recycling plan. They had just three hours to finalise their ideas. No pressure then.

Aniba maintained: ‘We have been brainstorming, using all the bits of knowledge from last week and we have been able to analyse in a clear way.’

She added: ‘It is really interesting, coming up with new solutions and it is fun.’

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Students in Oxford

Becoming an international community had been a seminal part of their adventure. Elvina maintained: ‘Everyone has different opinions – but that is the beautiful part.’

Junhyeok added: ‘We can integrate talents from around the world

A key part of the summer school has been the wider lessons, according to the five.  According to Elvina: ‘Getting to know each other has been really lovely.’

‘We got to do things I have always wanted to do,’ smiled Anika.

Meanwhile, Lizzy said living the life of student in Oxford, in St John’s College, alongside other young people from around the globe has been an important part of the programme. 

All preferred Oxford to London, which they had visited at the weekend.

‘Oxford is such an ancient place,’ said Varun. ‘Where I live, everything is new.’

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Summer School fun

But keen memories had clearly been formed of the relationships they have developed and the global understanding of living and working with others from across the world.

‘We have learnt a lot about other communities,’ Lizzy said. ’Heard other perspectives. It’s been great.’

‘Getting to know each other has been a very good part of this,’ admitted Elvina.

There must have been something that was difficult? Embarrassed to appear impolite, the visitors had to admit, there were actually some climate-related concerns. The infamous English summer weather has been a challenge.

‘I feel so cold at night,’ said one participant. While another student admitted: ‘Where I live it can be 45 degrees. You never have to wear a jacket at night and here I am never warm.’

‘It’s very unpredictable,’ said a third. And the food is taking some time to get used to as well for many of the students, unused to such delicacies as pea soup and a cooked English breakfast – although there were no complaints.

Along with inspiration for becoming a leader in climate innovation, the students had all been inspired to spend more time in Oxford – despite minor climate-related issues, they had all loved their time here. 

Enter this year's Climate Change Challenge.