As universities around the world take steps toward meeting their own net zero goals, there’s another critical mission they must embrace: empowering students to become climate champions. Higher Education Institutions aren’t just places of learning – they’re launch pads for future leaders who will confront the climate crisis head-on. And this preparation can’t be limited to lectures and labs – it needs to be woven into every part of campus life.
Sustainability can’t be boxed into just the environmental science department – it must be a campus-wide mindset. Every discipline plays a role. Business schools can teach sustainable finance and ethical business practices. Engineering programmes can focus on renewable energy solutions and green design. Humanities and social sciences can explore climate justice, environmental ethics and policymaking with depth and nuance.
At my institution, we’ve made this shift by integrating climate modules into general electives, making climate literacy accessible to students from all academic backgrounds. One powerful example involved students from different disciplines coming together to design a waste segregation model tailored for a nearby municipality. It’s inspiring to see how classroom learning can evolve into real-world impact.
Students have always been at the forefront of change, and the environmental movement is no exception. At my institution, we make sure student voices are heard – whether it’s through funding green projects, supporting eco-friendly campaigns or involving students in campus decision-making bodies.
- Three ways universities can enhance teacher engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals
- Critical approaches to incorporating the SDGs into curricula
- Spotlight collection: a greener future for higher education
As the faculty coordinator of the National Service Scheme (NSS), I had the privilege of leading a “no plastic” campaign that significantly reduced single-use plastics in the cafeteria. What stood out most was the shift in mindset – students began to see climate action as part of their daily life. Now, student-led conservation campaigns have become an annual highlight, entirely organised and driven by student volunteers.
There’s no better way to build commitment than through hands-on experience. Internships, fieldwork and service-learning projects help students step out of the classroom and into communities. With the NSS, students joined forces for a clean-up drive around a local pond – collecting kilos of plastic waste in just one weekend. In another initiative, we planted trees in nearby villages, sparking not just awareness but a sense of stewardship.
Campuses themselves should be models of sustainability. Solar panels, water harvesting and zero-waste systems aren’t just infrastructure upgrades, they are teaching tools. At my institution, green initiatives are a visible priority. We host awareness programmes on water and energy conservation and have replaced plastic bottles with reusable glass ones across campus. These everyday changes speak volumes.
University media has the power to inform, inspire and spark dialogue. As faculty coordinator of our campus newspaper, I’ve encouraged students to write about our own waste management systems and to interview local climate activists. We’ve even launched a weekly “environment” column to spotlight student initiatives, eco-tips and success stories from the field.
Digital tools make climate education more interactive and impactful. From virtual simulations to gamified apps, tech can help bring complex climate concepts to life. On Earth Day, we hosted an immersive event where students planted saplings and used digital storytelling to understand the broader impact of conservation. It made the issue feel tangible, urgent and personal.
The NSS is a powerful platform for getting students involved in sustainability work. We’ve led a variety of initiatives such as tree planting drives, plastic reduction campaigns and environmental education workshops. One recent project involved collecting old clothes and shoes for donation to NGOs supporting underprivileged children. Students walked away with more than volunteer hours. They gained leadership skills and a sense of community impact.
Ultimately, sustainability is about everyday choices. Whether it’s carrying a reusable water bottle or opting for public transport, small actions can add up to big change. That’s why we’re rolling out a “Green Points” programme, where students earn rewards for eco-friendly habits. These points can be exchanged for discounts at campus cafés. It’s a fun, positive way to build lasting habits.
Turning students into climate champions takes a cultural shift where sustainability is not only taught but lived. When universities walk through the talk and give students the tools, the space and the confidence to lead, the impact goes far beyond campus walls. The journey to a greener future might be long – but with our students in the driver’s seat, it’s one filled with hope, creativity and resilience.
Manjushree G. Naik is associate professor at Manipal Institute of Communications, Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India.
If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter.
comment