Climate Action Update: What’s Happening at FPSE and Camosun

CCFA Admin – with files from Marty Donatelli, CCFA Rep to FPSE Climate Action Standing Committee – November 2025

The FPSE Climate Action Standing Committee met on November 15, and there’s a lot happening across the federation — and at Camosun — on climate action, education, and sustainability. Here’s a quick look at what’s new, what’s growing, and what’s coming next.

FPSE-Wide Initiatives

The FPSE (Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of British Columbia) Climate Action Standing Committee is working on several projects designed to strengthen climate literacy, support members, and bring climate considerations into union work.

Current initiatives include:

• A new Climate Teaching Community of Practice
• Planning for a Spring Climate & Jobs Speaker Series
• Updating FPSE’s climate awareness survey
• Developing climate-related bargaining priorities

The BC Federation of Labour is also developing a worker-centred Climate Justice and Jobs Plan, and recent polling shows strong public interest in climate action across the province.

Juliana Janot, Co-Founder of CEFA at UBC, shared how students and faculty at UBC are pushing for stronger climate education across disciplines — and how they’re reaching out to other institutions, including ours.

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Camosun Initiatives

C4 Climate Action Committee

Camosun’s C4 Committee (Camosun College Climate Action Committee) — chaired by Frank Jankunis and including faculty, staff, admin, and student representatives — continues to meet regularly and work with our Admin Climate Champion, Evan Hilchey. Focus areas include outreach, education, sustainability planning, and promotion.

Outreach

C4 has met with UVic departments (Geography, Earth & Ocean Sciences, Environmental Studies) to explore collaboration on climate initiatives and education pathways.

Climate Education at Camosun

Beginning in January, Camosun will offer two new climate-focused courses:

• ENVR 100 – Climate Solutions
• PSYC 290 – Climate Action Psychology

There is ongoing work toward creating a Climate Action specialty within A&A programs, with the long-term goal of a standalone credential.
The School of Business also continues to expand its Socially Responsible Management post-degree diploma and is seeing strong interest.

Sustainability Plan

Camosun’s sustainability plan, now several years out of date, is due for renewal. C4 has provided recommendations, including the need for a sustainability manager, and continues to advocate for the plan’s development.

Engagement & Resources

• C4 created a new climate action pathways handout, outlining related courses and program options.
• This information is now also available on a new Climate Action & Sustainability webpage on the Camosun site.
• A recent open house saw limited attendance but useful conversations with students.

Campus Initiatives

• Library solar panels are now operating.
• The new Lansdowne student residence is aiming for LEED Platinum certification.
• Climate action remains one of the seven “paddles” in Camosun’s strategic plan.
• The College Board has received a request to pass a climate emergency declaration and a response is still pending.