Pakistan is facing a climate crisis unlike anything seen before. From catastrophic floods and scorching heatwaves to choking pollution and biodiversity loss, the signs are clear - our environment is in great threat. But amidst these formidable challenges lies a powerful force for change: the youth of Pakistan.
With over 64% of the population under the age of 30, young people are not just the future - they are the present. They are already feeling the effects of environmental degradation and will bear its long-term consequences. But they are also uniquely positioned to lead us toward solutions - if we empower them. The place to start? Our universities.
Higher education institutions are more than just places of learning - they are platforms for transformation. And now more than ever, they must evolve to help students become the changemakers our planet needs.
A recent project brought together students from 15 universities across Pakistan to ask a simple but profound question: how can higher education support environmental sustainability? This project employed a qualitative and participatory approach led by an undergraduate student at University College London (UCL) with the Environmental Education team of WWF-Pakistan.
The participants came from different universities across Pakistan including the Institute of Business and Management in Karachi; the University of Punjab Lahore; Khawaja Fareed University, Rahim Yar Khan; and University of Sindh, Karachi. They were studying or had recently graduated from a diverse range of disciplines such as Business Management, Electrical Engineering, English Literature and Environmental Sciences.
Four participatory workshops were conducted with around 80 young. The workshop posed open-ended questions and a group activity for the young people to share their understandings of sustainability, experiences of learning and extra-curricular activities in university as well as their priorities for environmental sustainability in higher education. Their answers were thoughtful, practical and full of energy. Their message was clear: youth are ready to lead the green revolution. Here's how we can support them.
Teaching Sustainability in Every Subject
One of the strongest demands from students was to make sustainability a core part of every degree programme. Whether studying business, engineering, or literature, students want to understand how climate change affects them and how they can help.
They asked for a holistic curriculum that weaves environmental issues into every subject. They want practical learning - not just lectures, but real projects like planting trees, reducing waste, or engaging with communities. And they want their courses to be up-to-date, with local examples of climate impacts, like floods in Sindh or forest fires in the North. Importantly, students stressed that teachers need training too. Faculty members must feel confident teaching about climate change if they are to inspire students to take action.
Building Sustainable Campuses
Beyond the classroom, students want universities to practice what they preach. They dream of campuses that are clean, green and powered by renewable energy. They suggested banning single-use plastics on campus; installing solar panels and water conservation systems; creating student-led green clubs and sustainability committees; and rewarding low-carbon lifestyles with fee discounts or awards. They also called for stronger accountability - rules that ensure everyone, from students to administrators, follows sustainable practices.
Connecting with Communities
Students don't want to keep their knowledge within university walls. They want to take it to the streets, the fields, the markets. They believe every degree should include community service - real projects that help solve local environmental challenges.
They want universities to partner with civil society, NGOs, religious leaders and local governments to raise awareness and promote climate action. They also asked that research be shared in local languages so more people can benefit from it.
Youth Leadership, Not Just Participation
What's most inspiring is that students don't want to be told what to do - they want to lead. They want seats at the table where decisions are made. They want to shape sustainability policies, plan activities and monitor progress. This isn't just about giving them a voice - it's about giving them the power to act.
The Time for Action Is Now
Pakistan is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. We can no longer afford to wait for top-down solutions. We need a grassroots revolution - and our university students are ready to lead it.
Universities must therefore rise to the occasion. They must become models of sustainability, empower students as climate leaders and extend their impact to the wider society.
Let's support our youth in turning classrooms into launchpads, campuses into models of sustainability and degrees into good deeds for the planet. Let's empower them with the tools to lead and let the transformation begin.
The green revolution won't come from policy papers alone. It will come from the bold ideas, restless energy and hopeful hearts of young Pakistanis. Let them lead.
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