Sustainability expert Lee Stewart wrote his new book to a roadmap for business leaders, including what he calls the next generation of change-makers. But the author of How to Build Sustainability into Your Business Strategy says that learning how to integrate sustainability into corporate strategies – something he says is an essential skill as we look toward building more sustainable, resilient urban communities – is especially relevant for young people and future leaders who will play a critical role in shaping tomorrow’s cities.
With more than 20 years of hands-on experience in sustainability and mentored by Al Gore, Stewart spoke with EducationDaily to share some practical, accessible ways educators and parents can help young people have the confidence, courage, commitment and consistency to take the lead in shaping a more sustainable future.
What more should the education sector be doing to better equip young people with the skills they need to make a meaningful difference with regard to sustainability?
Education needs to evolve by embedding sustainability into every subject, not just science or environmental studies. Schools should teach systems thinking, problem-solving, and the principles of circular economy – encouraging students to think beyond individual actions and consider their impact on larger systems. Hands-on projects, such as designing waste-reduction initiatives or collaborating with local environmental groups, can give students practical experience. Equipping young people with digital and data literacy is also essential as sustainability increasingly intersects with technology.
You write about courage being an important skill. What can families and educators do to help young people embrace and nurture courage? Why is courage so important to have as a future change-maker?
Courage is crucial because change-makers often face resistance and uncertainty. Families and educators can foster courage by encouraging young people to voice their opinions, even when they differ from others. Create environments where failure is seen as a learning opportunity, not a setback. Storytelling can also inspire courage – by sharing real-life examples of individuals who took bold actions, such as Greta Thunberg or Malala Yousafzai. Courage is essential because future change-makers will need to challenge existing systems and create solutions where none currently exist.
For young people who feel that their voices are not being heard in the climate debates – what advice do you have?
Start small but stay consistent. If larger forums seem out of reach, young people can begin by organising initiatives in their communities or schools, like starting sustainability clubs or writing blogs about climate issues. Collaborating with other young activists amplifies their voice and engaging with local representatives or school boards can also spark change at the grassroots level. Using social media to share their message broadly can also help them connect with like-minded people and gain attention. Persistence matters –change takes time, but every small step contributes to a larger movement.
What sustainability-focused careers can you recommend to young people who feel strongly about making a positive difference in their future working lives – and how can they prepare themselves to achieve success in their chosen field so they can make an impact?
Sustainability is becoming a key aspect of many industries, opening pathways in areas such as sustainable finance, circular economy design, clean technology engineering, ESG consulting, agriculture and food innovation, and environmental policy-making. Students can prepare by gaining relevant skills through courses in environmental science, engineering, economics, or policy studies. Internships, volunteer work, and certifications in areas like climate accounting or sustainability reporting tools (GRI, TCFD) are valuable. Soft skills like communication, adaptability and critical thinking are also essential to thrive and make a real impact.
What can educators do to help nurture the other three Cs in young people – confidence, commitment, and consistency?
Educators can build confidence by providing safe spaces for students to express ideas, engage in debates, and solve real-world problems collaboratively. Celebrating small achievements reinforces self-belief. To instil commitment, they should help students set meaningful goals linked to personal interests and demonstrate how sustained action can lead to tangible outcomes. Nurturing consistency involves developing routines and habits, such as regular reflection and feedback loops – teaching students that long-term impact requires perseverance. Schools can also implement sustainability projects that require long-term involvement, fostering a sense of responsibility and endurance.
