Victoria to host Climathon over weekend

This weekend, over 24 hours, more than 60 people will put their heads together to find ways to combat climate change.

Victoria University of Wellington is hosting New Zealand’s Climathon, a global event that involves building and testing urban-focused solutions to climate change. Participants will brainstorm new initiatives, challenge their thinking, extend their current projects and form new connections. Three teams from the event will then be selected for five months of follow up support, mentoring and connections to help them progress their ideas. 

Kickstarted by Climate-KIC, the European Union’s largest climate innovation initiative, the Climathon is a global event taking place over 48 hours, with participation from more than 16 cities in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Wellington is the first city to take part from Oceania. 

Made possible by key partners Wellington City Council and Victoria University with help from Centre for Sustainable Cities, Deep South Science and Viclink, the event is being delivered by Enspiral—a Wellington-based network of social entrepreneurs and impact businesses. 

“This is a chance for people working on projects or who have ideas around climate change to bring them together in one space, connect with others, learn together and shed new light and perspectives on their work,” says Silvia Zuur, lead facilitator for the event. 

Professor Kate McGrath, Victoria University’s Vice-Provost (Research) says the University is delighted to be hosting this important event. “Climate change is a major global challenge that many of our researchers are focusing on, so I expect plenty of innovative contributions to come from the Victoria staff and students who participate,” she says. “The best part about the Climathon is the support participants receive to turn ideas into action and make meaningful change in the world.” 

Climate-KIC will select the best ideas globally, and the selected teams will travel to Paris to present in a global showcase at the COP21 Climate Summit this December.