ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT ISSUES
-CLIMATE ISSUES-
REACTION TO GLOBAL WARMING
Röskva demands that the University of Iceland increase its ways to educate people on how human capital and organisations can influence and respond to global warming.
COURSE IN SUSTAINABILITY
Röskva wants an online compulsory course in sustainability to be implemented and taught on the undergraduate level no matter the field, which would be worth credits. A course like this was developed a couple of years ago so the foundations for it therefore exist. A new course could be developed from the work that has already been done.
INCENTIVE FOR TEACHERS
Röskva wants teachers to be encouraged to implement environmental and sustainability issues in teaching in courses that already exist, for example in practical assignments.
CLIMATE CHANGE CRISIS
Röskva demands that the University of Iceland follows the precedent of many prestigious universities abroad as well as the Student Council by proclaiming a climate change crisis. Similarly, Röskva demands that the university create a plan of action against this crisis which would be developed with students.
EARMARKED BUDGET
Röskva wants the university to exert themselves to acquire more budget which would be earmarked to promote teaching and research on sustainability and environmental issues.
-TRANSPORTATION ISSUES-
The University should be a leading force in combating climate change and encourage students and faculty to work towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Röskva demands that the University of Iceland take every opportunity to reduce car traffic to and from campus, where the expected increase in traffic on Hringbraut will entail a great reduction in the quality of life of students, both in terms of health and accessibility. Among Röskva’s suggestions are improving services on or near campus, reducing car traffic by encouraging the use of public transportation, cycling and walking, increasing the use of teleconferencing facilities and more.
FAIR CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION
Röskva demands the University not charge students for campus parking unless they are afforded a u-pass at a reasonable price. The economic accessibility of students must be safeguarded and it is imperative that the University promote a fair transition in transportation alongside the unavoidable changes that will take place on campus. Röskva also emphasizes that the needs of those who need to travel by car be met.
U-PASS
A u-pass inspired by similar programmes abroad has been among Röskva’s goals the last two years. Röskva thus celebrates the University’s plans to offer all students a public transportation card for 5.000 kr and will continue to fight for student’s access to diverse public transportation means through the use of said card, for example night bus, car-sharing services and discounts on the rent of bikes and e-bikes.
RURAL BUS
Röskva wants every student of the University to be able to use public transportation regardless of where they live. Students that live outside of the capital area, for example in Suðurnes, Selfoss and Akranes, must have a discount for the rural bus alongside a U-pass in order for public transportation to be a realistic option for this group of students.
NIGHT BUS FOR THE FUTURE
Röskva wants the operation of a night bus to be secured for the future in every municipality in the capital area because the accessibility of public transportation at night affects the safety of many students. Röskva also wants the night bus to operate in other municipalities in the capital area than Reykjavík.
MULTI-TRIP TICKETS FOR THE BUS AT A LOW PRICE FOR STUDENTS
Röskva wants to continue to push for municipalities and Strætó BS to introduce a multi-trip ticket programme for students. These multi-trip tickets would be cheaper than individual tickets and would suit students using the bus better at times.
IMPROVED ROUTE SYSTEM
Röskva wants a bus system that students can actually use. Röskva will continue to put pressure on Strætó BS to improve its route system and increase the amount of trips that students and faculty of the University of Iceland can use, both within the city and without. Röskva believes that in order for the bus to become a more desirable option the amount of round-trips must increase. Röskva also wants the construction of Borgarlínan to be expedited and for the bus to operate on campus.
SAFER WALKING PATHS
Röskva wants to improve the lighting on walking paths on campus so they are made safer and more accessible. That way students’ trips between building can be made faster and they are less likely to have to have to use a car. The amount of walking paths crosswalks must also be increased.
IMPROVED BIKING FACILITIES
Röskva wants to make biking a desirable transit option for students. Covered bike storage should be present at each building as well as accessible showering facilities all over campus. There should also be access to a locked bike storage facility to reduce the likelihood of theft. The access to biking paths on campus needs to be greatly improved and maintained during the winter. It would be excellent to have a maintenance and repairing facility for bikes in more places on campus. Bikesheds and storage facilities should also be present at Stúdentagarðar but there is a special need for improvements in older buildings.
MORE CROSSWALKS
Röskva wants there to be more crosswalks on campus. We demand the safety of pedestrians and cyclists be ensured, for example by placing a crosswalk on the bike path across Sæmundargata, Suðurgata, Hringbraut and between Gróska and Askja.
CAR-SHARING AS ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORT FOR STUDENTS
Röskva proposes that car-sharing companies increase the number of eco-friendly cars for University students for short-term and long-term rent. It would also be good for students to receive discounts for that service, for example by having a discounted zone on campus and near Stúdentagarðar or for the service to be a part of the U-pass. Röskva also demands that charging stations for electric vehicles be increased on campus.