Climate Change Action Research Articles

Finding cool spaces in Frankfurt/Main–a heat protection measure for the population of a major city

Abstract With the European continent heating up faster than ever, cities are facing major challenges protecting their population from the effects of climate change. Heat can have devastating effects on people’s physical and mental health with particular significance for the known vulnerable groups - the elderly and young children, people with pre-existing conditions, those who are pregnant and those who cannot protect themselves sufficiently for various reasons plus of course people working outdoors. Following the 2003 heat wave, the city of Frankfurt/Main registered a significant rise in mortality and morbidity, leading the Health Protection Authority to be increasingly concerned with heat-related health problems in the Frankfurt metropolitan area. The city has since developed various systems to protect the population from extreme heat and developed an all-encompassing climate change action plan (CCAP). Part of the CCAP is the provision of cool spaces to provide refuge from the heat for the public and implementation of this project started in the summer of 2022. However, with no legislative basis on which to build such a platform, some creative measures were required to ensure its success. Here, we will not only present the challenges we faced but the solutions we found - and the results of our currently ongoing evaluation of the actual use of our cool spaces to help other cities make their journey to similar measures easier. Starting with a brief overview of the CCAP, we will show the cool spaces’ place within the strategy, followed by our original plan of action and what happened when this plan came into contact with the reality of life in a large and diverse city. We will touch on climate injustice and the difficulties in reaching those parts of the population who actually need protection the most. Finally, we present our evaluation strategy and results together with the adjustments we are considering in moving forward with this climate change protection measure. Key messages • (Establishment of) climate change adaptation measures should urgently be enshrined in law. • Health inequality corresponds to climate inequality and continiously challenges adaptation measures.

Climate change and population aging: The role of older adults in climate change mitigation

This paper explores the intersection of climate change, population aging, and community resilience, focusing on the potentially powerful roles of older adults in climate change mitigation efforts, particularly in developing countries. Through a brief review of relevant literature in the fields of environmental studies, gerontology, and community development, the paper examines the vulnerabilities of older adults to climate change impacts and their potential contributions to adaptation and mitigation strategies. By integrating findings from some existing literature, the paper contributes to ongoing conversations about the inclusivity of climate change actions and the empowerment of marginalized groups. Our suggestions include harnessing the traditional knowledge and leadership of older adults and empowering them to act as climate change activists within their communities. Additionally, the paper suggests encouraging older adults to organize community capacity-building workshops that advocate for environmentally sustainable initiatives. We conclude by emphasizing that neglecting older adults in the climate change discourse risks exacerbating entrenched social inequalities and overlooks the potentially valuable resources and knowledge that older adults can contribute toward climate change mitigation and adaptation. This therefore calls for the recognition of older adults as vital agents of change and empowering them through inclusive development policies, programs, and initiatives. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of inviting older adults into climate change mitigation efforts, and the barriers that may hinder their active engagement.

Public History: Infrastructure, Climate Change, and Radical Action.

This essay reviews the 2022 American film How to Blow Up a Pipeline, examining its significance for historians of technology. The film highlights do-it-yourself technologies, the experiences of marginalized technology users, and the environmental consequences of infrastructures. Central to the discussion is the film's dystopian portrayal of infrastructure, which drives the characters to take extreme measures, such as the bombing of an oil pipeline, to raise awareness about climate change. While the film might seem to advocate for radical action, this review suggests that it offers historians an opportunity to engage with broader social issues and reflect on the methodological challenges within the history of technology.

COP 28 Policy Perspectives: Achieving Environmental Sustainability through FDI, Technological Innovation Index, Trade Openness, Energy Consumption, and Economic Development in N-11 Emerging Economies

Despite remarkable success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to achieve maximum economic growth, the Next-11 emerging economies grappling with an undesirable situation of environmental degradation have become a hot topic at COP28. Researchers have long focused on this connection, emphasizing the urgent need for international and national environmentalists to promote sustainable development (SD) in these rapidly growing economies under the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change action plans. As a result, this study examines the role of FDI in the N-11 emerging economies, focusing on energy usage and technological innovation within the theoretical framework of the Halo-Haven hypothesis, covering the period from 1990 to 2022. We utilize ARDL, FMOLS, and DOLS techniques to analyze both short-term dynamics and long-term equilibrium relationships, effectively managing heterogeneity, time dynamics, and cross-sectional dependence issues to produce comprehensive results. The long-term analysis supports the haven hypothesis, demonstrating an affirmative relationship between FDI, economic growth, and carbon emissions, whereas energy usage is negatively associated with carbon emissions. Furthermore, the D-H test established a reciprocal causal relationship between variables such as FDI, economic growth, trade openness, and environmental pollution. However, we found a one-way causal correspondence in the usage of green energy, the technological innovation index, and carbon emissions. Given the mixed findings, policymakers should focus on attracting FDI to the green energy sector while reinforcing regulations and implementing stringent oversight for FDI in energy-intensive industries. This approach will ensure that such investments adhere to high environmental standards, thereby benefiting future generations.

A review of climate change and cardiovascular diseases in the Indian policy context.

There is growing evidence that climate change adversely affects human health. Multiple diseases are sensitive to climate change, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are also the leading cause of death globally. Countries such as India face a compounded challenge, with a growing burden of CVDs and a high vulnerability to climate change, requiring a co-ordinated, multi-sectoral response. In this framework synthesis, we analysed whether and how CVDs are addressed with respect to climate change in the Indian policy space. We identified 10 relevant national-level policies, which were analysed using the framework method. Our analytical framework consisted of four themes: (i) political commitment; (ii) health information systems; (iii) capacity building; and (iv) cross-sectoral actions. Additionally, we analysed a subset of these policies and 29 state-level climate change and health action plans using content analysis to identify health priorities. Our analyses revealed a political commitment in addressing the health impacts of climate change; however, CVDs were poorly contextualized with most of the efforts focusing on vector-borne and other communicable diseases, despite their recognized burden. Heat-related illnesses and cardiopulmonary diseases were also focused on but failed to encompass the most climate-sensitive aspects. CVDs are insufficiently addressed in the existing surveillance systems, despite being mentioned in several policies and interventions, including emergency preparedness in hospitals and cross-sectoral actions. CVDs are mentioned as a separate section in only a small number of state-level plans, several of which need an impetus to complete and include CVD-specific sections. We also found several climate-health policies for specific diseases, albeit not for CVDs. This study identified important gaps in India's disease-specific climate change response and might aid policy makers in strengthening future versions of these policies and boost research and context-specific interventions on climate change and CVDs.

Predicting the effect of climate change and management on net carbon sequestration in the forest ecosystems of the European part of Russia with the complex of models

The objectives of sustainable development require the ability to estimate potential changes in net carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems (including changes in biomass, mortmass, and soil organic matter) under possible climate change and different forest management strategies. Such estimates require consideration of different ecosystem components and processes. To achieve this goal, we have integrated several ecological models (dynamic stand model FORRUS-S, soil organic matter model Romul_Hum, statistical climate generator SCLISS and process-based forest ecosystem model EFIMOD3) to simulate the ecosystem dynamics at the regional level in several study areas within the forest zone of the European part of Russia. The simulation results reflected both the direct effects of climate change and forest management actions on ecosystem carbon pools, and the indirect effects through changes in species composition. The simulation experiments were spatially detailed at the level of individual forest management units, thereby revealing the influence of habitat conditions on the rate of carbon sequestration under the influence of environmental factors. We found that net carbon sequestration in all major ecosystem pools was mostly positive, ranging between 0 and 1.45 t ha year−1 depending on study area and simulation scenario. Higher accumulation was typically observed in medium-rich and rich habitat types with mesic moistening. In the long term, the effect of climate change was found to be comparable to the effect of management interventions.

Australian urban designers’ experience of barriers and enablers to climate change action

ABSTRACT Urban designers have considerable potential to take important climate change actions in the built environment. Based on interviews with urban designers across Australia, it was found that the main actions taken were: development and use of policies and strategies; education and research; appropriate project designs; reduction of carbon footprints; advocacy and lobbying; the use of sustainability measures and ratings; and taking on projects oriented to climate change action. Key facilitators of these actions that overcame barriers were strong leadership, establishment of targets and measures, effective regulation, financial and other incentives, and access to trustworthy, practical information.

Do Teenagers Believe in Anthropogenic Climate Change and Take Action to Tackle It?

Regardless of their nationality, all children are unfortunately at risk since nations across the world are not doing enough to reduce the impacts of climate change. However, teenagers in developing countries face more severe challenges as a consequence of climate change. This research portrays teenagers living in a rural area in terms of their awareness, beliefs, attitudes, and actions relevant to climate change. Beliefs regarding climate change are reflected in the context of skepticism about the existence, causes, and impacts of climate change as well as belief in climate change mitigation. We also magnify ecocentrism and anthropocentrism, as a socio-psychological factor, and gender, a demographic variable, when exploring their power as the antecedents of climate change-related actions. The data were gathered from 650 students attending a middle school selected from a rural area located in the inner west region of Türkiye. The results indicated that less than half of the teenagers believed in the notion that something could be done to tackle climate change. According to discriminant analysis, female teenagers tend to believe in climate change more and have stronger ecocentric attitudes compared to males. Furthermore, female teenagers seemed to engage in climate change-related actions more than males. This study provided further evidence on the role of beliefs and attitudes in relation to this issue. To be more specific, teenagers believing that anthropogenic factors lead to climate change and that we, as humans, should therefore do our bit to reduce climate change, also tend to take the necessary actions to combat climate change. Furthermore, these individuals, valuing the natural environment for its own sake, engage in actions for climate change mitigation. By examining the awareness, beliefs, attitudes, and actions of teenagers in rural areas towards climate change, this research underscores the critical role of the quality of formal education in equipping teenagers to effectively engage with climate change issues.

Child Freedom as Ecofeminist Praxis: Navigating Gender, Reproductive Choice, and Climate Action

This research explores the decision to have child freedom, namely the choice not to have children, as a form of ecofeminist praxis in supporting climate change action. By integrating ecofeminist theory, this study aims to analyze the individual impact of child freedom decisions on climate change and explore the gender dimensions that may be involved. Adopting a literature study approach, this research details how these decisions can be understood through an ecofeminist lens, linking issues of gender and reproductive choices to the ecological responsibility of individuals. Through an in-depth literature analysis, this research strengthens the argument that child freedom can be articulated as a positive action in reducing an individual's ecological footprint and consideringthe social impact of gender in the context of climate change. This discussion highlights ecofeminist perspectives in the context of child freedom and explores how policy and society can support this choice as a concrete contribution to environmental sustainability. It is hoped that the results of this research can deepen our understanding of the relationship between gender issues, family decisions, and climate change action. The implications of these findings can provide a basis for the development of more inclusive policies and support concrete steps in overcoming the challenges of climate change. Keywords: Child Freedom; Gender; Ecofeminism; Climate Change Action.

Determinants of companies' commitment to climate change: Evidence based on European listed companies

Climate change is a highly topical issue, and companies are increasingly required to report on their climate actions. This study assesses the influence of several factors affecting the companies' commitment towards climate change mitigation, adaptation, and transparency (i.e. CDP Integrtaed Performance Score). Therefore, by analysing the determinants of climate change commitment, the research aims to provide evidence and further insights on companies' responsiveness to climate challenges. Data are collected from Bloomberg's ESG database, and multiple linear regression analysis is performed on a sample of 3000 European‐listed companies responding to the carbon disclosure project (CDP) questionnaire. The results show that CDP Integrated Performance Score is associated with greenhouse gas emissions disclosure, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) compliance, the presence of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee and women on board, the number of employees, board and firm size. By contrast, assurance and ROE are non‐significant determinants for our sample. This study contributes to the existing research on climate change disclosure providing further insights on companies' climate change action. The findings are valuable for managers and regulators in promoting sustainability strategies and improving environmental performance and climate transparency.

The green library advocacy: Need to engage the international communities in a climate change action

This paper seeks to explore the pivotal role of libraries in global initiatives to combat climate change and emphasize the significance of international cooperation in advocating for sustainable practices. Through an extensive exploration of existing literature and real-world case studies obtained from various sources of information, this paper scrutinizes various endeavors undertaken by libraries worldwide to promote environmental advocacy and tackle climate-related challenges. It assesses the obstacles and prospects encountered by libraries in engaging communities and fostering sustainability. The study underscores the indispensable role of libraries as centers for environmental education, awareness-raising, and proactive measures. Libraries serve as vital platforms for disseminating information, conducting workshops, and advocating for policies conducive to environmental preservation. Collaborative ventures like the Climate Action Libraries Network (CALN) and the Global Library Consortium for Climate Action (GLCCA) showcase the potency of collective efforts in addressing climate change issues. Additionally, the paper highlights significant hurdles, such as resource constraints and institutional barriers, while proposing future strategies for advancing green library advocacy. This paper enriches the scholarly discourse by accentuating the transformative potential of libraries in championing sustainability and nurturing resilient communities. It underscores the imperative of international collaboration in nurturing green library initiatives and underscores avenues for libraries to augment their influence in confronting climate change globally.

Climate-Induced Migration: Conflict Resolution and Legal Efforts in Pacific, Africa, and South Asia

Climate-induced migration involves people relocating caused by detrimental climate changes affecting their living environment. Pacific, Africa, and South Asia have experienced climate-induced migration resulting from extreme weather events, sea level rise, drought and desertification, and temperature extremes. The purpose of this research is to find out in terms of conflict resolution, what legal efforts have been made by the government of the affected regions to address climate-induced migration. This study uses descriptive qualitative method and case studies. Based on the results obtained from the data, it was found that the affected governments are pursuing various legal efforts to be able to tackle climate-induced migration. Several efforts made, namely “Migration with Dignity” policy, the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) Project, Great Green Wall initiative, the African Union’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Bangladesh’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Disaster Management Centre, and India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The regional initiatives mentioned earlier play pivotal roles in implementing these frameworks and fostering collaborative endeavors, whilst the innovative legal frameworks, guided by SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) indicators, ensure that climate-induced migration is addressed effectively. To sum up, dealing with climate-induced migration requires a holistic approach involving regional collaboration and innovative legal frameworks.

Examining stakeholder trust levels in committing to climate change action

The research investigates the trust of stakeholders in the governmental, non-governmental and business sectors’ actions on climate change. Close-ended questionnaire were employed among 98 respondents and the collected data determined that trust levels varied quite significantly across the sectors. The specific trust drivers were identified through the survey that was conducted. The different findings offered insights that enhanced stakeholder engagement and tailored the policy development to the various regional sustainability goals. The extent to which the stakeholders and the general public find these sectors to be reliable and more importantly what factors make these reliable would come to get discussed here. These findings matter as these would help the readers understand how the trust of the stakeholders can be earned and maintained for a rather longer period of time.

Better policy to support climate change action in the built environment: A framework to analyse and design a policy portfolio

Climate change action in built environments has not been at the scale or pace required to achieve the global goal (Paris Agreement) to limit warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. Action towards climate change goals can be facilitated by effective policy design, and policy reform. However, this is challenging because built environment policy contexts are complex and include policy from multiple sectors (e.g. urban planning, construction, design and property); supporting infrastructures (e.g. transport and water) and areas of cross cutting importance (e.g. climate change and sustainability). Limited guidance exists on how to design or analyse portfolios of policy instruments to meet climate change goals and challenges. The aim of this paper is to develop a framework for designing and analysing policy portfolios. The method of developing this framework was via a descriptive and explorative review of literature and a synthesis of key attributes yielded in the review. The framework is comprised of seven attributes: inclusion, prescription, discretion, legibility, vertical integration, horizontal integration, and balance. The framework can be used to analyse the appropriateness of the content of existing policy instruments and portfolios of policy instruments to address climate change goals. Additionally, the framework can be used to guide the development and design of policy portfolios for urbanising and rapidly urbanising areas, to address the challenge of climate change effectively and adequately.

Decoupling the climate walk from the climate talk: Evidence from Australia

AbstractA lack of regulation around greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has led Australian companies to employ arbitrary targets for measuring GHG emissions reduction, which are not translating to the level of emissions reduction required to meet global targets. Despite the well accepted urgency of climate change action, there is a gap in literature with no studies discussing the effectiveness of the various targets for measuring GHG emissions to meet global emission reduction goal. Using correlation and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis, our study of Australian Stock Exchange listed companies shows that the targets suggested by Task Force on Climate‐related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) are the most closely associated with the required emissions reduction. The findings from this study advocate that organisations adopt TCFD recommendations for achieving optimal reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to meet the global targets. Our findings should inform policymakers and practice to align targets to the TCFD recommendations to meet the global emissions reduction commitments and mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change.

Modeling green energy and innovation for ecological risk management using second generation dynamic quantile panel data model

Ecological risk management has emerged as a critical research and policy development area in energy and environmental economics. Sustained ecology is crucial for the standard of living and food security. As the adverse impacts of environmental degradation and climate change become increasingly apparent it is imperative to understand ecological risk and its interconnectedness with environmental pressure, clean energy, economic activity, globalization, and green technology. Ecological risk is assessed using the environmental performance index which is a holistic indicator of climate change, environmental pressures and human actions in which most of these indicators have spatial effects. This paper explores the multifaceted relationship between identified anthropogenic critical factors and their role in effectively managing ecological risk globally. This study has developed the second-generation dynamic panel quantile regression considering spatial effects of economic activities on ecology across borders of 55 countries between 1995 and 2022. This innovative hybrid estimation scheme that integrated theoretical and econometric aspects makes the model robust to major regression issues. Several implications ranked in decreasing order of its effectiveness are reducing environmental pressure, expediting energy transition, and embracing economic integration while there is a need to work on rejuvenating green technology and green growth.

When private meets public: young people and political consumerism in the name of environmental activism

ABSTRACT This paper explores how Australian youth climate activists experiencing ecoanxiety overcome obstacles and frustrations in their climate action initiatives by exercising meaningful political agency in the marketplace. It briefly outlines how their concerns about climate change inaction galvanised and continue to drive their engagement in climate politics, reflecting fears and anxieties about their own and the planet’s future. Despite this growing interest and engagement in climate politics, however, the efficacy of political consumerism as a strategy, particularly among young people, remains largely unexplored [Micheletti, M. 2010. Political Virtue and Shopping Individuals, Consumerism, and Collective Action. New York: Palgrave Macmillan], with limited research on their consumption habits and behaviours [Kyroglou, G., and M. Henn. 2022. “Young Political Consumers between the Individual and the Collective: Evidence from the UK and Greece.” Journal of Youth Studies 25 (6): 833–853. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2021.2012139]. Thus, this paper investigates how young activists in the study, despite their vulnerabilities and experiences of ecoanxiety, endeavour to address structural imbalances linked to climate change through political consumerist initiatives. Utilising in-depth interviews and a photo-elicitation exercise with ten participants aged 18–35, the 2022 Australian study examines youth activism and the interplay between political consumption, views on hope and sustainable lifestyle choices. It reveals that environmentally conscious consumption patterns such as buycotting, boycotting, engaging in discursive actions, and embracing lifestyle politics that young activists engage in serve as a source of hope for them.

Climate Justice and Climate Adaptation in California: Indigenous Community Climate Adaptation Leadership and Opportunities for Scientific Collaboration

Abstract Climate and weather-related disasters in California illustrate the need for immediate climate change action—both mitigation to reduce impacts and adaptation to protect our communities, relatives, and the ecosystems we depend upon. Indigenous frontline communities face even greater threats from climate impacts due to historical and political legacies of environmental injustice. Climate change adaptation actions have proven challenging to implement as communities struggle to access necessary climate data at appropriate scales, identify effective strategies that address community priorities, and obtain resources to act at a whole-community level. In this paper, we present three examples of Indigenous communities in California that have used a climate justice approach to climate change adaptation. These communities are drawing upon community knowledge and expertise to address the challenges of adaptation planning and taking actions that center community priorities. The three cases address emergency preparation and response, cultural burning and fire management, and community organizing and social cohesion. Across these spheres, they illustrate the ways in which a community-based and climate justice-focused approach to adaptation can be effective in addressing current threats while also addressing the legacy of imposed, socially constructed vulnerability and environmental injustices. Because we recognize the need for multiple knowledges and skills in adaptation actions, we include recommendations that have emerged based on what has been learned through these long-standing and engaged participatory research collaborations for climate scientists who wish to contribute to climate justice-focused adaptation efforts by using scientific data to support—not supplant—community efforts, target funding toward genuine community engagement and adaptation actions, and become aware of the historical and political legacies that created the climate vulnerabilities and injustices evident today.

Understanding the impact of climate change on Bhutanese school communities: Challenges and responses

Climate change is intensifying the risks faced by children’s lives, as well as impacting their learning and education. How school communities in Bhutan are dealing with issues related to climate change is largely uncharted. This study examined how Bhutanese schools have been affected by the changing climate and how they were responding to it. The data sources included interviews with school principals, teachers, and district education officers, as well as observations, and document analysis. The global comprehensive school safety framework, along with a whole school approach to climate action framed the results of this study. Findings included that schools experienced multiple climate impacts and shocks affecting their children’s health, education, and the school system itself. Adaptation and mitigation measures including climate change education have yet to gain traction at the sector and school’s level. Schools, however, have attempted some actions such as through disaster management, and participatory environmental conservation and green school initiatives. Social capital was critical in filling the resource gap for initiating environmental and climate change actions, carried out through collective school, community, and student-based activities. Human capacities, policy and institutional structures, technical capacities, and capital (cultural and economic) constraints as well as slow mainstreaming into local development processes impeded efforts to build climate-resilient schools, including practices to contribute to greenhouse gases reduction. This study not only shed light on how climate change was affecting schools and children but also provided strong evidence for policymakers and relevant agencies to scale up interventions to enhance adaptation and mitigation practices.

The Environmental Conservation Strategies Used in Secondary Schools Align with Guidelines of United Nations Environmental Program: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in a City Setting

The climate change crisis might soon be the biggest threat to global human existence if immediate action is not taken to overpower it. In Eastern Uganda, Mbale city is among the most affected areas, and the burden manifests in form of disasters such as long dry spells and floods. One of such floods in this city recently destroyed 5,000 acres of crops and homes of 5,600 people, killed over 30- and cut off clean water for 400,000 people. Schools can create environmentally responsible communities that are able to address this threat, but persistence of the burden in this area depicts unclear gaps in the roles played by these academic institutions. This study therefore examined the environmental conservation strategies used in addressing climate change and related calamities by students and staff of secondary schools in Mbale city, to unravel intervention-gaps and guide the way forward. Conservation strategies, plus factors promoting their adoption and challenges, as well as the perceptions, attitudes, awareness, and knowledge about environmental conservation and climate change were examined in a random sample of 384 secondary school students and staff. Pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were used under the guidelines of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supplemented with observational surveys and photography. Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA version-15.0. Graphs were plotted with GraphPad Prism® version 9.0.0. Conservation strategies in schools were found to be diverse, involving mainly tree planting (N=339, 91.2%), preservation of green spaces (N=310, 83.3%), harvesting rain water and not damping wastes in water resources (N= 372, 100% each). Reuse of waste plastic bottles to fabricate dustbins was a novel observation. KIIs showed that the use of the school curriculum to support environmental conservation and climate change action was also prominent (N=12, 100%), but was not significantly different from other key strategic approaches such as incentives (χ2 = 0.992, p = 0.319), and aid from some agencies (χ2 = 3.200, p = 0.074). Interventions against air pollution were scarce. Determinants of choice of conservation measures were mostly; the school curriculum (N=381, 99.2%), costs (N= 381, 99.2%), land size (N= 352, 91.7%) and education level (N=250, 65.1%). Commonest perceptions on why conservation is vital were; to avert ecological threats (N=372, 100%), and the urge for a clean environment (N=372, 100%). Good attitudes towards conservation were in 269 (70.1%) of the participants; 48.4%, 7.8%, and 7.1% were not aware about biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution respectively. 58.1% lacked sufficient conservation knowledge. Long dry seasons (100%), financial scarcities (94.8%), and high population (98.9%) were the commonest barriers, while low political will (N=12, 3.1%), was minimal. In conclusion, environmental conservation strategies in secondary schools in Mbale city are diverse, largely align with guidelines of UNEP, and are based on the geography, resources, policies, and sociodemographic factors. The commonest challenges were; long dry spells, financial scarcities, population pressure. Redress to these anomalies is desired to enhance the use of secondary schools as hubs for environmentally responsible communities that can address environmental crises like climate change sustainably.