Students at the University of Portsmouth are being given the opportunity to learn about one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems from leading experts in the field.
Students at the University of Portsmouth are being given the opportunity to learn about one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems from leading experts in the field.
The urgent challenge of plastic pollution is being tackled head on by a dedicated team of researchers based in Portsmouth but working around the planet, including in the global south.
A new enrichment module running from January is open to all students at the University. ‘A Plastic Revolution’, led by the University’s Revolution Plastics team, is an optional 12-week course that will explore and discuss innovative research being undertaken to explore solutions to the global plastics crisis.
The online course provides students with an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the roles and impacts of plastic in our society.
Experts at the University of Portsmouth are currently playing a key role in generating evidence to inform the new Global Plastics Treaty and its subsequent implementation. Participants will be able to hear first hand from Professor Steve Fletcher, Director of Revolution Plastics, who will have just returned from INC 3 - the latest round of Plastic Treaty negotiating talks in Nairobi.
They will also have the opportunity to discuss how environmental issues are explored in fiction and other creative innovative research at the University. Students will meet writer Dr Tom Sykes and illustrator Dr Louis Netter, both from the University, and authors of a new illustrated book Coast of Teeth, which exposes the light and dark sides of English seaside towns – including the effects of plastic pollution.
Students will broaden their knowledge of the impacts of plastic pollution, and learn how to creatively engage communities to communicate the issues effectively. Deputy Director of Revolution Plastics – Dr Cressida Bowyer, will also share her experiences of working in Kenya using creative methods to bring about positive change.
Students from any faculty or course are invited to enrol.
Course overview:
- Explore the environmental and human health impacts of plastic pollution, with a particular focus on microplastics.
- Look at solutions-focused action on plastic pollution including creative and arts-based approaches to research, community engagement, and behaviour change.
- Examine international policy options as mechanisms for change.
Dr Cressida Bowyer, Deputy Director of Revolution Plastics who has developed the module, said: “Our mission-driven research in some of the areas worst affected by plastic pollution on earth is already delivering results. We have some of the leading plastic pollution experts here in Portsmouth and we’re really excited to be able to share our knowledge and raise awareness of the problem with our students.”
The module will build students’ creativity, communication and research skills — and help them to develop desirable skills and attributes sought by graduate employers, including the Hallmarks of a Portsmouth Graduate.
Students can book their place here.