In 2025, addressing climate change is a global priority, and universities play a pivotal role through research, education, and sustainable practices. The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, assessing contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), highlight institutions leading the charge. These rankings evaluate low-carbon energy use, carbon neutrality commitments, and collaboration with governments on climate initiatives. The top 10 universities for climate action in 2025, led by the University of Tasmania, exemplify innovative approaches to combating climate change. This article explores their efforts and impact in 2025.
1. University of Tasmania, Australia
The University of Tasmania tops the list in 2025, excelling in climate action with a high score in the THE Impact Rankings. Located in Hobart, the university’s Climate Futures Research Group collaborates with Australian industries to project climate impacts on sectors like wine and ski resorts. In 2025, it leads in publishing climate action papers (over 500 annually) and tracking low-carbon energy use (80% renewable). Its commitment to carbon neutrality, achieved in 2016, and local education programs make it a global leader in climate action in 2025.
2. UNSW Sydney, Australia
UNSW Sydney ranks second in 2025, with ambitious goals to reduce emissions by 30% by 2025 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The university’s Climate Change Network fosters staff-student collaboration, hosting events to promote sustainable practices. In 2025, UNSW’s research output includes 400 climate-focused papers annually, and its campus in Sydney uses 60% renewable energy. Partnerships with local governments on urban sustainability projects strengthen its impact, making UNSW a key player in climate action in 2025.
3. Simon Fraser University, Canada
Simon Fraser University (SFU), third in 2025, is recognized for its comprehensive sustainability programs in Burnaby, British Columbia. SFU’s Centre for Dialogue engages communities in climate solutions, while its research produces 300 papers yearly on climate adaptation. In 2025, the university’s campus operates on 70% renewable energy, and its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030 drives innovation. SFU’s interdisciplinary courses on climate policy and low student-to-faculty ratio (20:1) empower students to tackle climate challenges in 2025.
4. Western Sydney University, Australia
Western Sydney University, fourth in 2025, leads in sustainable campus operations, using 65% renewable energy and retrofitting buildings for efficiency. Its research institute publishes 350 climate-related papers annually, focusing on urban heat mitigation. In 2025, the university’s net-zero commitment by 2030 and partnerships with Sydney’s local councils enhance its impact. With a diverse student body of 50,000, Western Sydney integrates climate education across disciplines, making it a climate action leader in 2025.
5. University of Victoria, Canada
The University of Victoria, fifth in 2025, excels with its Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, engaging 22,000 students and staff in measurable outcomes. Located in British Columbia, the university uses 75% renewable energy and publishes 250 climate papers annually. In 2025, its focus on sustainable education, with 30% of courses incorporating climate themes, and community consultations strengthen its impact. The university’s low-carbon campus and coastal climate research make it a standout in 2025.
6. University of Eastern Finland, Finland
The University of Eastern Finland ranks sixth in 2025, known for its environmental research in Joensuu and Kuopio. With 16,000 students, it publishes 200 climate-focused papers yearly, emphasizing forestry and renewable energy. In 2025, the university’s carbon-neutral campus (achieved in 2020) and 85% renewable energy use set benchmarks. Its partnerships with Nordic governments on climate adaptation and strong sustainability curricula make it a leader in climate action in 2025.
7. Abdullah Gül University, Turkey
Abdullah Gül University (AGU), seventh in 2025, is a rising star in Kayseri, Turkey, with 2,500 students. Its sustainability-focused campus uses 60% renewable energy, and its research center produces 150 climate papers annually. In 2025, AGU’s collaborations with Turkish municipalities on low-carbon urban planning and its commitment to net-zero by 2035 drive impact. The university’s innovative engineering programs and affordability (tuition ~$1,000/year) make it a climate action pioneer in 2025.
8. Aalborg University, Denmark
Aalborg University, eighth in 2025, is a Danish leader with 20,000 students in Aalborg. Its problem-based learning model integrates climate solutions, producing 300 papers yearly on renewable energy and urban sustainability. In 2025, the university’s campus runs on 80% renewable energy, and its carbon neutrality goal by 2030 is on track. Aalborg’s partnerships with Danish energy firms and focus on green engineering education position it as a key climate action contributor in 2025.
9. University of Newcastle, Australia
The University of Newcastle, ninth in 2025, climbs from its 2024 ranking, driven by its net-zero commitment by 2030. With 37,000 students in Callaghan, the university publishes 280 climate papers annually and uses 70% renewable energy. In 2025, its Students’ Union promotes climate events, engaging 80% of students in sustainability initiatives. Collaborations with Newcastle city on emission reduction make the university a regional leader in climate action in 2025.
10. Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Finland
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), tenth in 2025, is a Finnish innovator with 5,800 students. Its research on green energy solutions produces 200 climate papers yearly, and its campus operates on 90% renewable energy. In 2025, LUT’s carbon-negative status and partnerships with Nordic industries on clean tech drive impact. The university’s focus on sustainable engineering and low tuition (~$10,000/year) make it a global model for climate action in 2025.
Conclusion
In 2025, the University of Tasmania, UNSW Sydney, Simon Fraser University, Western Sydney University, University of Victoria, University of Eastern Finland, Abdullah Gül University, Aalborg University, University of Newcastle, and Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology lead global climate action, as recognized by the THE Impact Rankings. These institutions, with renewable energy use (60%–90%) and significant research output (150–500 papers annually), drive innovation through sustainable practices, education, and partnerships. From Tasmania’s carbon-neutral legacy to LUT’s green tech advancements, these universities set the standard for combating climate change in 2025.
