International Education Begins to Look Ahead to a Greener Future

For many international educators, one concrete expression of a greener future will be taking steps to reduce the impact of emissions from air travel – whether that means reducing unnecessary travel, a greater reliance on virtual or hybrid events, an increasing emphasis on digital recruitment or engagement with partners abroad, or even carbon offsets to better balance the impact of necessary travel.

“We’re not about cutting back on student mobility but trying to find ways that international education can operate in a more sustainable way,” says Ailsa Lamont, the director of a climate action consultancy.

International educators are also concerned with promoting awareness of environmental impacts within the industry, and in supporting practitioners in driving change within their organisations and institutions.

The growing awareness of environmental issues within international education reflects a broader global awareness and momentum toward climate action, and of course that is partly reflected in students’ perspectives on climate issues and the extent to which good environmental practice factors in student decision making.

Source: ICF Monitor