Status of climate change education within the European University Alliance Circle U

Climate change poses an unprecedented global challenge requiring transformative societal change and urgent educational responses. Universities, as key knowledge generators and educators, play a pivotal role in equipping societies to navigate this transition while fulfilling their “Third Mission” of addressing pressing societal challenges and by integrating climate change education across courses. The study found a general deficiency in the provision of climate change courses. A student survey (n = 313) revealed strong demand for enhanced climate change education: 97% expressed interest in enrolling in such courses, yet 48% had not taken any, highlighting a substantial gap between demand and provision. Students favored interdisciplinary approaches and short, flexible formats—particularly seminars—over traditional full-length courses. Motivations were primarily linked to personal engagement and societal relevance rather than immediate career prospects. Our findings demonstrate that, despite growing visibility, climate change remains inconsistently integrated into curricula, limiting students’ ability to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to support the green transition. We recommend revising catalogue structures, embedding climate perspectives across disciplines, and expanding accessible, interdisciplinary offerings. By aligning with Article 12 of the Paris Agreement and Target 13.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals, universities can strengthen their societal relevance and actively contribute to building a climate-resilient future.