Addressing climate change with a systems approach begins with helping people practice systems thinking. We describe how Drawdown Research Experiences give emerging climate leaders the chance to contribute to research that advances climate solutions implementation and practice systems thinking.

It is known that recycling education has positive effects on recycling behaviors, thereby increasing recycling rates. Using the US EPA's Environmental Education Grants database, this study empirically tests the relationship between publicly funded recycling projects and the U.S. recycling rates.

Agricultural schools in Guatemala are responding to challenges in the sector (e.g., migration, food insecurity, climate change, poverty, etc.). Agrophotovoltaics combine solar photovoltaics with agriculture and may be an approach to enhance the sector and respond to other emerging rural challenges.

STEM education can be a catalyst for improving student understanding of global environmental change. Enhancing environmental science coursework with information literacy, project-based learning, and campus-wide events such as recruitment and training workshops has increased students’ success and an overall interest in climate.

The shortage of operators in the water industry led Bristol Community College to apply for a National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education Grant for the New England Water Treatment Training (NEWTT) Project. With the awarded funds the college created the hands-on Blue Center for Water Technologies and two training certificates.

A key question for employers, students, educators, and administrators is what competencies sustainability programs develop in students. We present results from research addressing this question: convergence on key competencies in sustainability and its implication for curriculum design and careers.

“Living Laboratories” offer unique ways to research, teach and support regenerative social-ecological systems through interdisciplinary, placed-based experiential learning and action. Our session will highlight the last two years of “living lab” work by our four institutions in partnership with nonprofits, businesses and tribal governments around the Lake Superior watershed.

The National Academies issued a consensus study report with recommendations to strengthen sustainability programs and curricula in higher education. Participants will learn about the recommendations and how they can be applied at their own institutions to advance sustainability education.

Our economy has fostered the perception that accumulation is happiness. Our behavior is affected by our economy and in turn impacts our global environment. Economic literacy allows for intervention and substitution of more sustainable options that may better align with overall life quality.