First Year students recently took part in a thought‑provoking Climate Panel event, giving them the chance to put their questions about the climate crisis directly to a group of visiting experts. The session, organised by Environmental Coordinator Jesse Aberbach, formed part of the Brampton’s wider programme of sustainability education and climate‑awareness initiatives.
🌍 Expert voices on the climate emergency
The panel brought together specialists working at the forefront of climate action and communication, including:
- A representative from ClientEarth, the environmental legal charity known for holding governments and major companies to account over their environmental impact.
- A psychotherapist who collaborates with the Centre for Climate Psychology, offering insight into the emotional and psychological dimensions of climate change.
- Matt Maran, wildlife photographer and documentary filmmaker, whose recent work includes filming for the latest David Attenborough series.
Students submitted questions in advance, and four First Year students—Bronwen, Naomi, Isla and Juliette—presented them on behalf of the year group. Their questions explored the realities of climate change, the role of activism, the responsibilities of governments and corporations, and how young people can stay hopeful and engaged.
🌱 Part of a wider college commitment
The Climate Panel is one of several initiatives the college has undertaken to deepen understanding of environmental issues and empower students to take meaningful action. Over the past year, the college community has:
- Supported environmental charities through the College Charitable Trust, contributing to organisations working on conservation, climate action and sustainability.
- Run awareness campaigns led by student groups and the Environmental Committee.
- Expanded curriculum links to climate science, environmental ethics and global citizenship.
- Promoted low‑carbon habits, including waste‑reduction drives and sustainable travel initiatives.
These efforts reflect Brampton’s belief that climate change—though not always visible day to day—is one of the defining challenges of our time. Events like the Climate Panel help students understand the scale of the issue while also highlighting the power of informed, collective action.
🌿 A thoughtful and engaged student body
The panel praised the students for their insightful and well‑researched questions, noting the maturity and curiosity they brought to the discussion. Their engagement demonstrates the growing determination among young people to understand the climate crisis and to shape a more sustainable future.
We look forward to building on this momentum with further events, projects and partnerships that support environmental awareness and action across the whole community.
