Global Climate Change Week

Rethinking the role of education in times of climate emergency: reflect, repair, regenerate.  

Date: 13-19 October, 2025 

There is an urgent need to develop just, equitable, and sustainable solutions to the global climate crisis, to protect present and future generations. Global climate change is already negatively affecting and is expected to have more dramatic effects on the livelihood and well-being of communities globally. There is also an urgent need to adapt to climate change impacts that cannot be prevented and to prepare for inevitable risks. The need for robust adaptation strategies to alleviate human vulnerability must be balanced and coordinated with climate change mitigation and sustainable development priorities.  

Our sessions aim to connect and discuss the kinds of fundamental transformations required to reduce global carbon emissions and to stem the impacts of climate change. 

Below you will find a suite of in-person and online activities from across our global campuses targeted at supporting healthy and sustainable practices. 

GCCW 2025 is going to be another great week, filled with planet-positive aspirations and inspiring knowledge sharing, ideas and discussions on how we can expand our relationships to protect our planet. 

The first GCCW was held in October 2015. In 2014, a group of academics (Keith Horton, George Takacs, Helen Hasan, Helen McGregor) and students (including Josh Pallas and Justin Westgate) at the University of Wollongong (UOW) formed a committee and organised a workshop held at UOW in December 2014. Twenty-two people participated, including academics from seven Australian universities and a number of climate activists. The workshop was a great success; many ideas emerged, the vision and mission statements were drafted, and some of the committees running GCCW today were established, including the original coordinating committee.

In 2020, the stewardship of GCCW transitioned to the University of Tasmania.

Now in 2025, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Michigan, United States of America, has the leadership of GCCW. GVSU Climate Change Education Solutions Network is proud to lead GCCW in 2025-2029.

GCCW2025 events will be celebrated worldwide October 13-19, 2025 with thousands of synchronously held events on college campuses, in schools, and community organisations, in-person and online, linked together by international webinars, powered by the GVSU CCESN. Reach out to CCESN if you are interested to join the global webinar program.

GVSU 7th Climate Change Education Solutions Summit will be held in conjunction with GCCW2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Tuesday, October 14; at GVSU in Muskegon, MI on Wednesday, October 15, at MCC, and online on Thursday, October 17.

Get involved by

1. Register for and attend an event listed below
2. Continue the conversation online using the hashtag #UOWGCCW to share your thoughts and ideas with our online community
3. Follow UOW Pulse on Facebook, who share great resources, events and competitions
4. Participate in one of the community-friendly activities listed below.

• UOW Malaysia Global Climate Action

Perception on climate change and climate change policy in the UAE

Explore how UAE university students perceive climate change and related policies in this engaging research seminar. Based on new academic findings, the session offers insights into climate awareness, attitudes, and expectations in the region, highlighting the role of youth in shaping future environmental action.

Climate Conversations: What Do UAE Students Really Think? Join us for a thought-provoking research seminar exploring how university students in the UAE perceive climate change and related policies. Based on fresh academic insights, this session dives into the attitudes, awareness, and expectations shaping climate action in the region. Come curious—leave informed!

When: Tuesday, 14 October, 2025, 9 am, Dubai time

Join research seminar via Webex

Meeting number: 2653 981 4934
Password: hpTtz6iM2r2
Host key: 266627

Climate solutions industry tour

This industry tour provides participants with an opportunity to see real-world applications of climate action and sustainability. Attendees will visit leading companies and organisations pioneering clean energy, sustainable practices, and green technologies.

The tour includes site visits, demonstrations, and discussions with industry experts, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a sustainable future.

When: Tuesday, 14 October 2025

• UOWM: 9am–2pm MYT

• UOWA: 12pm–5pm AEST

Delivery: In-person, outdoor site visits
Audience: UOW Malaysia community & public

Climate Action Fair

The Climate Action Fair is a campus festival featuring a series of engaging events aimed at fostering awareness and collaboration for a sustainable future.

The keynote address will highlight Malaysia’s climate initiatives, global sustainability trends, and the vital role of educational institutions in driving impactful change. Following this, the Climate Action Forum will bring together industry experts, government representatives, and academics to discuss how technology and innovation are advancing climate solutions.

When: Wednesday, 15 October 2025, 9am–5pm MYT / 12pm–8pm AEST
Delivery: In-person & online
Audience: UOW Malaysia community & public

Capturing change: Climate photography exhibition and competition award

Students and staff are invited to showcase their creative interpretations of climate change, sustainability, and nature’s resilience through photography. Led by the UOWM Photography Society, the competition highlights visual storytelling as a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring action.

The best entries will be displayed at the Atrium, celebrating artistic expression while reinforcing the importance of environmental consciousness in our daily lives.

When:

• Competition: 1–10 October 2025

• Award & Exhibition: Wednesday, 15 October 2025

Delivery: In-person & online gallery
Audience: UOW Malaysia community & public

Green innovation showcase: "Solutions for tomorrow"

The Green Innovation Showcase highlights creative student projects that propose forward-thinking solutions for a sustainable future. This exhibition provides a platform for students to present innovative ideas, technologies, and designs addressing today’s environmental challenges.

Through interactive displays, the showcase encourages knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and inspiration within the UOW Malaysia community.

When: 10 – 15 October 2025   
Delivery: In-person, Atrium
Audience: UOW Malaysia community & public

Sustainability and innovation booth exhibitions

Student clubs, NGOs, and industry partners will present booths highlighting sustainability, clean energy, recycling, mental health, and more. Visitors can explore interactive activities such as sustainable cooking demonstrations, eco-friendly product showcases, and mindfulness sessions offering practical insights into environmental awareness and personal well-being.

Throughout the week, Climate Awareness Campaigns will also run across campus, including a Carpool Campaign, a Meatless Campaign, and a Fitness Week—encouraging greener, healthier lifestyle choices.

When: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Delivery: In-person, Atrium
Audience: UOW Malaysia community & public

See all events at UOW Malaysia