Instructing on Climate Justice and Solutions

Climate Change Feeds Youth ‘Eco-Anxiety’ and Spurs Green Career Opportunities

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of young individuals aged between 15 and 29 are currently grappling with ‘eco-anxiety’, a form of psychological distress ignited by climate change concerns, according to a 2025 survey by Sacred Heart University. This underlines the profound impact climate change is having on the lives and future aspirations of today’s youth.

Green Career Opportunities on the Rise

Despite the anxiety, the youth are also presented with an increasing number of opportunities to build careers focused on environmental sustainability. The LinkedIn data analysis reveals that the demand for ‘green talent’ saw an impressive growth of 11.6% between 2023 and 2024. This surge is largely attributed to investment in the Inflation Reduction Act for the combat against climate change.

Preparing Students for Sustainable Careers

A recent webinar hosted by the City University of New York Industry Support Hub saw the gathering of faculty experts from various institutions. The focus was on the strategic and tactical aspects of equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the emerging green job market.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Climate Education is Key

Kyle McDonald, Director of the sustainability in the urban environment graduate program at City College, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary skills in building a successful career in climate science. He believes these skills help students connect with experts across a range of specialties while enabling them to effectively communicate their ideas.

William Solecki, Professor of geography at Hunter College, stressed the need for educators to clarify their methodology for addressing climate change. He also pointed out that undergraduate courses, though seemingly unrelated, can provide a solid foundation for students in the environmental sector.

Dawn Roberts-Semple, an associate professor at York College, highlighted the significance of research and mentorship in equipping students with real-world problem-solving skills. She insisted on the need for students to get hands-on experience in the field under the guidance of a knowledgeable mentor.

Experiential Learning: Creating Awareness and Spurring Action

CUNY is home to several experiential learning partnerships that translate climate research into actionable insights for students and the wider community. The New York City Climate Justice Hub, for example, works on research agendas set by community members. These agendas could involve investigation into urban heat or sustainable transportation alternatives.

Michael Mentzer, an associate professor of philosophy and urban sustainability at Brooklyn College, cited the use of NASA’s NISAR research data in teaching students how to interpret and communicate complex climate data in a socially relevant context.

In addition to educating students, CUNY is also fostering community involvement in climate action planning. Kingsborough Community College offers free training programs on renewable energy and sustainable technology to environmental justice and disadvantaged communities.

Robert Zandi, associate director of renewable energy programs at KCC, hopes for more collaborations in the future, ideally through a consortium specializing in green programs within the CUNY system.

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