The University of Malta (UM) has set out to become a sustainability ‘Living Laboratory’. Jonathan Firbank speaks with Prof. Maria Attard about the Committee for Sustainability at the University of Malta, C-SUM, and its role in this interdisciplinary, interdepartmental experiment.
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The global cosmetics industry is a multi-billion euro business that shows no signs of slowing down. A large percentage of this evaluation is attributed to product packaging, which introduces a considerable environmental issue due to the skyrocketing demands for plastic packaging.
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Change is unavoidable. Yet as creatures of habit, it is safe to say that change is not a comforting prospect to most, because let’s face it, change can be pretty darn scary. Many dread the loss of control and autonomy that accompanies the unknown, choosing an unpleasant situation over opting to take the proverbial leap that would change their lives for the better.
And yet, social and environmental change is a stark reality. It is knocking on our doors, demanding attention, threatening to overcome and leave us reeling in the aftermath of what we ourselves have created. How then do we take the leap; how do we eschew the devil we know and look to make the changes we so desperately need?
The answer lies in five letters, STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths. We’re not talking rocket science, although all innovators and researchers do look to STEAM to develop ideas and knowledge. STEAM skills are what empower changemakers working within their communities on all kinds of projects, big and small. Whether we’re designing a recycling initiative, creating a website, or learning about biodiversity and local ecosystems, we need to draw on a powerful set of STEAM skills. It is this skill set that can help citizens all over the world face current challenges: climate catastrophe, lack of inclusivity, and health issues, to name a few.
Through creativity, the Science in the City (SitC) team is looking to engage people from all walks of life with STEAM. The 2023 festival’s goal is to empower and encourage citizens to be the change they want to see. Cliché? Definitely, but it’s today’s reality, and every one of us needs to wake up to this particular reality if we are to have a future on this planet.
The festival activities for 2023 will challenge convention and work to alter the mindset that has brought us all to this point. We cannot simply wait for the education system to implement changes for tomorrow. We need to mobilise our youth and our young-at-heart today to become agents of change. STEAM is key to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, living in an inclusive society, and embracing diversity. So join the SitC movement, get unstuck, and start leading change from wherever you are, because the world has never been more ready for it!