The co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales has told how she decided to dedicate her life to tackling climate change while a student at Durham.
Carla Denyer, who has been co-leader of the Green Party since 2021, studied Mechanical Engineering while at our St Chad's College in the early 2000s.
'The biggest issue facing humanity'
Speaking during a visit to the University, Ms Denyer told how: "It was at Durham where I had my Epiphany moment of sorts about climate change being the biggest issue facing humanity.
"It was then self-evident that I needed to dedicate my life to tackling it."
Carla Denyer's reflections on her time at Durham
Ms Denyer was speaking to an audience including University staff, students and visitors, at an event organised by Durham Energy Institute.
She shared how she was elected for the first time while a Durham student – to the position of Environment Representative on St Chad's College Junior Common Room committee; and successfully campaigned for the introduction of recycling facilities.
It was at Durham where I had my Epiphany moment of sorts about climate change being the biggest issue facing humanity. It was then self-evident that I needed to dedicate my life to tackling it.
Ms Denyer said she had enjoyed "lots of valuable experiences that shaped me" while at Durham, including meeting people from different backgrounds.
After completing her degree, Ms Denyer worked in the renewable energy sector in North East England, before moving to Bristol, where she later became a city councillor and, in July 2024, MP for Bristol Central.
Recently, Ms Denyer was part of a Durham University graduates team that won a special alumni series of the BBC quiz show University Challenge, which usually sees student teams compete against each other on quickfire questions.
Durham: a leader on sustainability
Ms Denyer's address, at Durham University Business School, was opened by Professor Karen O'Brien, our Vice-Chancellor, who reflected on our contribution to sustainability.
In the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025, we rank 22nd – eighth in the UK and 12th in Europe. We recently hosted a summit of the Coimbra Group of European universities, at which was signed the Durham Declaration on climate change and sustainability. Our research is helping humanity understand and mitigate climate change. We have ambitious targets to reach biodiversity net gain by 2032 and net zero by 2035. Our students play an important role in this work, including helping us to secure Platinum status as a Hedgehog Friendly Campus.
Ms Denyer was introduced by Professor Andrew Crossland, a Professor in Practice and Advisory Board Member at Durham Energy Institute, and a personal friend. Professor Simone Abram, Executive Director of Durham Energy Institute, closed the event with thanks to Ms Denyer.
