The topic of climate change isn’t foreign in the world of academia. Despite decades of mass devastation, humanity has repeatedly failed to heed scientific warnings.
This month, Northern Florida experienced its heaviest snowfall on record, with up to 9.8 inches—suring the previous record of four inches in 1954. Meanwhile, California faced devastating wildfires that destroyed vast areas of land and forced entire communities to evacuate. The fires created hazardous air quality, and many families lost their homes and businesses due to the damage.
This year, global average temperatures are projected to increase to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, referencing the average global temperature before large-scale fossil fuel use began in the 1800s. This signals an alarming milestone, as extensive research from climate scientists worldwide indicates that suring this threshold could lead to irreversible environmental changes.
NASA, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric istration), and research from institutions such as Massachusetts Insitute of Technology and the University of Oxford, these claims, warning that extreme weather events will intensify, sea levels will continue rise at an accelerated rate, and ecosystems will be destroyed. Essentially, Earth will reach a level of severity at which there’s no going back.
While governments and corporations bear significant responsibility for ive climate action, universities hold a unique opportunity, and arguably, a moral responsibility to take the lead in addressing the issue. By spreading awareness and fostering innovation, universities can provide inspired minds with the resources needed to create advancements in renewable energy and climate adaptation strategies.
Queen’s University has established itself as a notable leader in climate action. In 2024, Queen’s ranked in the top 10 of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, achieving eighth place globally and in North America, second only to University of Alberta.These rankings assess how universities contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on sustainability, social impact, and global development through research, teaching, and community engagement.
Notably, Queen’s is the first Canadian university to achieve this milestone since the rankings were established in 2019.
In 2016, the University developed a formal action plan to outline targets and rectify ongoing climate issues. The Queen’s Climate Action Plan largely includes a 100 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with goals of 35 per cent by 2020—already achieved—and 70 per cent by 2030, which is on track to accomplishment. To reach these goals, the plan includes commitment to initiatives like transitioning to cleaner energy sources, expanding sustainable transportation, and strong waste reduction programs.
Queen’s has also led groundbreaking initiatives, such as being the first university in North America with plans of implementing carbon-sequestering turf at Nixon Field. These initiatives demonstrate that significant sustainability initiatives are possible at this university and others, emphasizing that sustainability is a matter of willingness rather than feasibility.
Despite its advancements, Queen’s has Responsible Investing Policy seeks to minimize its investment carbon footprint by 25 per cent compared to the global market index by 2030, organizations such as Queen’s Backing Action on Climate Change (QBACC) advocate for additional measures to be taken, such as funding from the University for sustainability and environmental issues as well as a required climate education.
In contrast, the AMS withdrew its investments from fossil fuels in 2019, demonstrating strong student commitment for sustainability.
Among the combined 125 undergraduate programs and 140 graduate programs offered at Queen’s, 175 courses integrate climate change and sustainability topics. However, there’s still opportunity for disciplines to incorporate climate action more prominently into their syllabi.
For instance, as highlighted in the Smith Engineering Undergraduate Handbook, civil engineering focuses on deg and building structures while protecting natural environments and ecosystems from the effects of climate change. However, the integration of climate action topics within mechanical and chemical engineering curricula isn’t explicitly detailed.
Similarly, computer science could regularly integrate software and algorithms into its curriculum to develop energy-efficient systems and advance environmentally friendly technology. While humanities and social sciences explore the cultural and ethical aspects of climate change, there’s still potential for greater integration across disciplines.
Broadening climate education in every field would guarantee Queen’s graduates are equipped to address the issue with appropriate facts and a higher understanding of climate impact in their respective futures.
The Smith School of Business has established the Institute for Sustainable Finance, which offers courses on sustainable supply chains and ESG factors, preparing students to incorporate sustainability into business decisions. This is a positive step in the right direction as finance plays a vital role in our global economy. Teaching students how financial markets and corporate governance can address sustainability issues fosters systemic change.
Ideally, it’s an integration that all disciplines should incorporate into their curriculum, so every graduate understands how their field intersects with climate action. This initiative should be the standard for programs at this University, not the exception.
Student organizations like the AMS and clubs like QBACC actively advocate for climate action. While the University itself has made commitments to sustainability, student groups are often left to fill the gaps, ensuring climate action remains a priority at all levels.
In the 2024-25 academic year, the AMS developed an initiative, led by the Commission of Environmental Sustainability, where they consulted with Indigenous groups to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge. The policy aims to ensure responsible resource use within the AMS and promote sustainability across campus. This shows the importance of electing student leaders, as they serve as a vital chance for students to engage actively in their community and their future.
Simply sharing opinions online or expressing for causes without action isn’t enough—true transformation demands participation and engagement, just starting with student elections.
The lack of institutional leadership means student advocacy is more crucial than ever. The AMS and the Society of Graduate and Professional Students just concluded their Winter 2025 Elections and Referenda, providing opportunities for students to shape campus leadership and climate initiatives. While it’s easy to show , tangible progress comes from electing leaders who can enact policies and create movements that result in measurable change.
Queen’s University displays a strong example of steps that all post-secondary institutions need to take to integrate climate action into their community. And even so, there’s still more that can be done. Climate action can only become meaningful if there’s activism beyond words.
Mabel Johnson is a second-year Biology student.
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