The climate crisis isn't waiting—so why should Harvard? 

From January 20-24th, Harvard University's Climate Action Camp transformed its campus into a think tank of bold ideas, emotional conversations, and action-driven solutions. This wasn't just another academic conference or a regular camp; it was a launchpad for the planet's future. Students, faculty, and climate experts rolled up their sleeves, diving into deep discussions, strategic planning, and hands-on problem-solving. Through this initiative by the Dean of Students Office's unwavering commitment to sustainability, participants left not just informed, but ready to ignite real-world change with concentrations ranging from Economics, Environmental Science and Engineering, Government, Integrative Biology and so much more. 

One of the most dynamic aspects of the program was the way students wove their academic insights into their residential spaces, ensuring that climate education extended far beyond the walls of the classroom. The initiative required participants to have taken coursework in climate, sustainability, or environmental studies, with the expectation that their learning would inform and inspire their peers. This integration of knowledge into daily life took many forms. One student planned a reimagined educational tour of Weld Hall, highlighting its construction history and incorporating a discussion on sustainable building practices while bringing participants to the upper floor to observe its structural elements. Others drew on courses like FYS Research in the Forest, ESPP 90N Addressing the Global Climate Crisis: Challenges for Both Developed and Developing Economies, and ESE6 Introduction to Environmental Science and Engineering to craft engaging projects that would resonate with their communities. The vision of the Dean of Students Office was clear—climate education shouldn't be kept within academic settings but should ripple outward into the residential and co-curricular spaces, fostering an environment where learning seamlessly transforms into action.

Though only a week long, the Winter Session's curriculum extended far beyond theoretical discussions, immersing participants in critical climate policy debates, engineering innovations, and social justice issues. Students started the week by delivering motivating elevator pitches, mindful of the fact that the window for meaningful action is closing. This is no longer about preventing catastrophe—it is about mitigating its impact. These set the tone for the week, inspiring a morale to move beyond problem identification toward implementing tangible, scalable solutions. Throughout the session, each participant engaged in hands-on projects, ranging from individual initiatives to collaborative group efforts. From junior Miah Ebels-Duggan organizing a campus bike ride to promote sustainable transportation, to first-year students Brady McNamara, Luisa Schweizer, and Leonardo Di Tommaso exploring greenhouse gas reduction strategies through a proposed Harvard Forest outing, the range of passions and interests was translated into actionable results. Thought-provoking discussions also emerged around the intersection of environmental and racial justice, including the lasting impacts of redlining. The program fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, where participants not only learned from one another but also developed the tools to educate and inspire others in their communities.

From health to business to technology, the Winter Session engaged participants through diverse lenses on climate action. Professor Rebecca Henderson of Harvard Business School called for corporate accountability, warning, "Investors should have a duty to pay attention to these issues. The indifference of financial power is one of the greatest threats we face," prompting students to explore corporate climate responsibility through case studies on shareholder activism and market incentives. Professor Gage Hills offered a technological perspective, exposing the environmental costs of semiconductor production and advocating for policy-driven solutions to chemical waste reduction. "When computing becomes more energy-efficient, we use it even more—erasing the gains. We cannot solve this crisis with technology alone; we need systemic change," he argued. This panel discussion sparked conversations about green innovation, corporate responsibility, and the unintended consequences of technological advancement. Each discussion, driven by a distinct passion, empowered participants to consider the multifaceted solutions needed to tackle climate change.

Combining the fun of camps with the inspiration of learning, the Climate Action Camp focused on experiential learning and coalition-building. Through simulations, workshops, and interdisciplinary group projects, students navigated the complexities of real-world policy implementation. By stepping into the roles of policymakers, corporate leaders, and activists through notable activities like the Climate Fresk Workshop and the Financial Times climate game which gave students a firsthand look at the trade-offs and pressures shaping climate action today. Just a few short years ago, the 2016 presidential debate did not include a single question about climate change. Now, less than a decade later, it has become a central issue. The actions we take today will set off a cascade of benefits, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the environment to foster economic, social, and public health improvements.