Stephen Kirk Email & Phone Number

My interest in climate change first emerged during my undergraduate study, when I was learning about climate science from the lead authors of the IPCC report and the world-renowned Professor Corinne Le Quéré. Tied with my learning in the school of global development, it opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of environmental and social systems to the crisis and the need for multidisciplinary solutions needed to overcome and solve existing, climate-exacerbated inequalities. My learning led me to a period of climate numbness and escapism from not knowing how to respond or react. My mind didn’t want to accept the path we were on, or that my life was partly responsible for it. I saw what those most responsible for and benefit most from the crisis wanted me to see, inevitable doom, to control my fear and make me think that I cannot stop this future, that I am alone.After reflecting on and challenging these pessimistic feelings, I chose to take part in the Turning Green Course alongside my UG degree, connecting with likeminded students all over the world, using our collective knowledge, insights and storytelling to create change in our local communities, learning from leading experts in climate action and environmental justice, I could choose a new path to picture. I created workshops on inclusive climate education and action, sharing capacity-building knowledge and helping people to build healthy relationships with their ideas of climate action. I also conducted research with 4000 young students to better understand the barriers to action and emotions towards the crisis, helping to shape the future of approaching, defining and, inspiring climate action such as climate cafés with the local Mind charities sUStain project. I am now proudly working on my Masters in Climate Futures at the University of Leeds.