Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: 5 Key Actions Schools Can Take

In 2018, walking the streets of Berlin felt like stepping through time. With each step, I could feel the weight of history in this city—a place where the world had been irrevocably shaped only a few generations ago. But beyond the echoes of the past, it was the energy of the future that I would soon witness.

One morning over breakfast at the hostel, I struck up a conversation with a fellow traveler, a student from Hamburg on a trip with friends. I told her that I had just finished a Permaculture design certificate and was heading to New York for another farm apprenticeship. She asked if I was planning to go to the climate rally later that day. At the time, I had no idea what she was talking about.

Curious, I made my way to Alexanderplatz, where I found myself in a sea of young people, all rallying together, with Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga” playing in the background. The rally was part of Fridays for Future. The crowd was vibrant, the speeches were inspiring, and the atmosphere was charged with optimism to effectively mobilize for climate action.

But two things stood out to me most: I was one of the oldest people there, at just 26. And unlike my experience growing up, where environmental issues were often seen as niche or “granola,” here, climate action was mainstream. This new generation had already embraced what many of us had struggled to grasp fully: climate change wasn’t just something for the fringe—it was central to their future, our future.

Yet, even after the protest ended, I wondered: what happens next? What paths were available for these young people who were so passionate about climate action? What would come after the marches and the speeches?

At that moment, I realized just how little focus there was in schools on educating students about climate change, food systems transformation, and finding jobs in these fields.

Fast forward to today, and the situation is more pressing than ever. The scale of natural disasters, the impacts of climate change—it's all undeniable. From wildfires to hurricanes, it’s clear that the crisis is here. And through it all, young people are still eager to learn, to build communities, and to find meaningful work that aligns with their values.

But the challenge remains: schools are lagging behind. While I saw some efforts during my time in grad school, too often it felt like an excuse for inaction or a call for more patience while data was collected. The education wasn’t holistic, and there was little direct support for students seeking climate-related careers.

Today, as I work with students across the country, I’m filled with something beyond hope—there’s a palpable sense of action. These students want to make a difference, and schools have a huge role to play in supporting them. Here are a few ways schools and universities can better empower young people to engage in climate and food systems transformation:

1. Give Youth the Mic
   Too often, there’s an unspoken belief that students need to be filled with knowledge, while their own lived experiences are ignored. This underestimates their potential. Empower students to co-create programming and initiatives. When students are given the chance to shape sustainability efforts, they’re more likely to engage and rally their peers around causes that matter.

2. Include All Corners of Campus
   Sustainability shouldn’t just live within the Office of Sustainability or the environmental science program. Every department has students who care. How are business, art, engineering, and humanities students being invited into these conversations?
   

3. Harness the Power of Art and Culture
   Art and culture have the unique ability to move people in ways that policy, business, and science often can't. They inspire, provoke thought, and bring people together. By integrating creative expression into sustainability efforts—through music, visual arts, and community events—schools can make climate action more accessible and fun. This fosters a sense of joy and engagement that inspires students to think beyond the data and connect emotionally with the cause.
   

4. Compelling Career Case Studies
   Students feel immense pressure to find jobs, especially in sustainability. Schools should highlight alumni who are not only successful but who love their work and are thriving in these careers. Importantly, young people also need to meet older adults who are positive and inspiring, showing them a way forward.

   These mentors can help students see the opportunities that exist and the fulfilling paths they can take. These stories and connections help students realize they can build meaningful careers aligned with their values.

5. Make It Accessible and Consistent
   More schools are starting to take Earth Week and Earth Month seriously, but sustainability shouldn’t be limited to just one week or a few events. Can students compost at every event? Are there delicious plant-forward food options available every day in dining halls and at sporting events?

   To make sustainability a natural part of student life, schools need to ensure that eco-friendly practices are integrated into everyday experiences. It’s not just about learning in the classroom—it’s about making sustainability part of the culture and a consistent touchpoint for students throughout their time on campus.

In Berlin, I witnessed firsthand how powerful young people can be when they’re united around a common cause. Now, more than ever, schools have an opportunity to harness that energy and help students turn their passion into action. Let’s give them the tools to build a future we all want to see.