Universities as Catalysts for Climate Change Solutions

On March 3rd and 4th, a joint workshop hosted at the University of Cambridge and funded by the British Council’s Wohl Clean Growth Alliance brought together experts from Tel Aviv University, the University of Cambridge, and other universities in the UK, France, Italy, and North America. The workshop explored how higher education institutions can support and promote climate change solutions. 

The TAU Climate Crisis Initiative and the Lowy International School co-organized the event with Cambridge Zero (the climate change hub at the University of Cambridge) as part of an ongoing collaborative project focused on examining the impact and ethical responsibilities of universities in addressing the climate crisis.  

“As institutions focused on creating and disseminating knowledge, universities can make a huge contribution to how we tackle the climate crisis, and some would say also have a moral obligation to do so.”—Dr. Shula Goulden, Co-director of the TAU’s Climate Crisis Initiative and project co-organizer   

As Prof. Colin Price, Head of the TAU’s Climate Crisis Initiative (PlanNet Zero) and one of the key professors in the TAU’s MA in Social Policy of Climate Change, adds, “Our goal is to bring students, faculty, and administration together to develop comprehensive solutions for the climate crisis.  These may involve not only new technology but also new economic models, policies, regulations, and public engagement strategies.”  

Prof. Colin Price presenting at the workshop

Workshop participants included academic researchers holding sustainability and climate leadership positions within their institutions (e.g. Vice-Rectors, heads of schools, researchers focused on environmental policy outreach), as well as professionals spearheading university initiatives in environmental education, sustainability leadership programs, climate initiatives, and policy and communications.  

In addition to the organizers from TAU, the university was represented at the event by Prof. Noga Kronfeld-Schor, Prof. Marcelo Sternberg and Prof. Danny Rabinowitz, the head of the MA program in Social Policy of Climate Change.  

Developing a Conceptual Model for University Climate Action  

To guide the discussion, the organizers presented a model to help frame and communicate climate action within universities according to four modalities: research & knowledge production, teaching, outreach & external engagement, and campus operations.  

“The framework we are initiating through such international collaborations provides a flexible, adaptable model that allows universities to align their climate actions with their core missions, enabling them to tailor strategies to their unique goals and capacities, ultimately driving more effective climate solutions.” —Dr. Michal Linder Zarankin, project co-organizer from The Lowy International School

Prof. Bhaskar Vira, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Cambridge, placed particular importance on the role of universities in advancing sustainability.  

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions and case study presentations, discussing how universities can lead by example and contribute to global climate solutions by advancing research, educating the next generation of climate leaders, integrating sustainability into daily operations, and engaging with a broader community through advocacy and policy development.  

Workshop participants during one of the sessions

The event also fostered normative debates on the ethical responsibilities of academic institutions, helping participants reflect on their role within their own institutions promoting a more active stance in tackling the climate crisis.   

“The diversity of university-led climate actions reflects differences in institutional strategies, challenges, and policy contexts. While there is no one-size-fits-all model, there is a pressing need to create a common language for university climate action.”—Dr. Shula Goulden, Co-director of the TAU’s Climate Crisis Initiative and project co-organizer  

Going forward, the project aims to deliver publications on the workshop model, conduct a follow-up workshop in Israel, and develop research proposals to apply the model to case studies of universities in different geographical contexts.   

Such multifaceted collaboration will strengthen the network of academic institutions and climate professionals, enabling a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas. By deepening these connections, universities can amplify their collective impact, drive coordinated action, and propel global efforts toward a more resilient and sustainable future.  

To educate the next generation of climate leaders, TAU runs an MA program in Social Policy of Climate Change. Learn more about the program and submit your application to contribute to the well-being of our planet.

TAU international students are active participants of the TAU’s Climate Crisis Initiative (PlanNet Zero) and have recently launched the Voices of Change initiative, a platform that presents personal testimonies about climate challenges around the world.