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Camden Climate Action Markets: hyper-local collaboration towards climate justice

One younger woman leans over the shoulder of an older woman, showing them how to weave with a gooey substance.
  • Written byNicole Horgan & Danielle Knight
  • Published date 01 March 2024
One younger woman leans over the shoulder of an older woman, showing them how to weave with a gooey substance.
Algae and Bio-Materials workshop at the Climate Action Market, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: Gareth Johnson

Creating a just, sustainable future is at the centre of our mission at UAL. Our Knowledge Exchange projects play a key role in this mission, providing opportunities for mutual learning, collaboration and community engagement whilst addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the future of our planet.

The Climate Action Market, funded by the Big Lottery Fund brought together local partners in Camden to facilitate behaviour change in the waste and consumption of local citizens and local businesses. Central Saint Martins, UAL, the Somers Town Community Association, the Knowledge Quarter, University of London, and University College London delivered a range of activities and workshops with residents of Somers Town – one of London’s most disadvantaged and climate vulnerable areas.

Two girls standing at a stall - one holds a sign that says 'I pledge to measure my spaghetti'
Reduce the Juice stall at the Climate Action Market, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: Gareth Johnson

From sewing sessions to sustainability markets, the collection of local partners explored how to make positive changes to benefit personal finances and the planet. 800 locals took part in the project, and both the participants and students highlighted their increased awareness around environmental issues, their newfound inspiration for climate action, and changes in their consumption habits.

The opportunity for students to initiate climate action alongside often marginalised neighbours in Kings Cross had a profoundly positive impact on their learning and practice in relation to climate action. The impact of this initiative continues in supporting long-term behaviour change and sustainability within the community and has been integrated into the Mayor of London’s Future Neighbourhood 2030 programme.

In our video below, you can explore this inspiring project further and learn more about the transformative power of creativity to drive meaningful change for our planet and our communities.