Climate Change

In their lifetimes, today’s college and university students will experience dramatic changes in the planet’s climate caused by carbon pollution from the burning of fossil fuels. Climate change is already raising temperatures and sea levels, while also increasing the number of extreme weather events—and the pace of change is accelerating.

Facing this alarming new reality will require an unprecedented level of creativity, energy and leadership from the current generation of youth environmental leaders. The encouraging news is that students are already rising to this challenge on campuses all across the country. They are undertaking myriad efforts to around climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Suggested projects/campaigns for students:

Develop adaptation plans and disaster management strategies that would increase resilience in the face of extreme weather.

Conduct vulnerability assessments of your campus or community.
 

Advocate for strong federal policies that would limit carbon pollution from power plants and other major sources.
 

Interested in pursuing a climate adaptation career? Check out the climate adaptation and mitigation careers outlook in the EcoLeaders Career Center to learn more about careers in the field, hear from professionals and map out your career plan.