Australian university students are very worried about climate change, but many still don’t know what meaningful actions they can take.

This is the finding of new research — and it was a key issue tackled at the 25th National Sustainability Festival, held in Melbourne last month. 

A study published in Sustainable Earth Reviews this month found that climate change is the top environmental concern for Generation Z (people born between 1995 and 2010). 

In a representative survey of 446 Australian university students, Curtin University researchers found most (81 per cent) were "significantly concerned", with many experiencing "serious climate anxiety".

Despite this, almost two-thirds (65 per cent) were not engaged in traditional climate activism, instead using technology to voice their concerns. 

"As the future decision-makers of the world, it is crucial for Gen Z to accelerate climate action in all of its forms, including engaging with scientific knowledge and other generations to shape policies and safeguard a liveable planet for all," the Curtin researchers wrote.

This corresponds with the concerns and experience of Monash University student Boya Tang.

As a Chinese student studying business at Monash, Mr Tang says he believes climate change makes daily life harder.

“As an international student, I have studied in Melbourne for several years and I do feel the impact of climate change these years,” he says.  

“The summers are extremely hot with heat waves and winters are unusually cold with increasing rain-forms, making daily and outdoor activities more difficult.” 

He says the extreme weather patterns have made him care more about climate change and sustainability.

But he is not sure what he can do to contribute to environmental preservation. 

“I realise that reducing climate change is the responsibility for each individual,” he said. “But unfortunately, I have no idea about how to solve it in our daily life.”

Challenges like these are what the National Sustainability Festival (or NSF) is trying to tackle.

Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp spoke at the festival last month about its goals and meaning.

“As an organisation we encourage all Melburnians to embrace sustainable living. From planning more sustainable buildings to reducing landfill and improving our biodiversity, our city is responding to the changing climate,” Ms Capp said. 

Ms Capp said the festival has "led the way in empowering communities of every size for 25 years".  

“As individuals too, we can take practical steps to ensure sustainable living is within our reach.”

Kate Luckins, author of new book Live More With Less who spoke at a festival lecture at RMIT University, says university students can tackle climate challenges.

“I used to teach at university for about five years,” said Dr Luckins, an expert on sustainable living. 

“The students are wonderful and they would really like to try experimental stages in their daily lives,” she said.

“When they learn about climate change, they think they should remember more and do more, but actually it’s important to just work out.” 

Dr Luckins believes university students should know that they can adapt and not expect too much from themselves. 

Monash University sustainability expert Susie Ho, who is also director of the Monash Innovation Guarantee Flagship, says the festival has become the largest in Australia and its growth over time signals a "sharp shift" among the Australian public.

“Through the NSF, more and more Australians not only understand sustainability but also wish to take actions to shape a positive future,” Associate Professor Ho said. 

“I think that is something to be proud of.” 

A/Prof Ho believes it is important for university students to choose their own climate steps. 

“You can’t solve the whole problem by yourself, it’s okay to recognise that you can however do one thing, be proud if you choose to do it,” she said, adding it’s important to overcome the emotional challenge of advancing sustainability.

“Surround yourself with like-minded people who will energise and inspire you." 

As more and more students strive to contribute to climate change solutions, this year’s NSF underlined the importance of collective action — of overcoming the "eco-whelm", and remembering they can’t solve this issue by themselves.

The 25th edition of the National Sustainability Festival (NSF) was held in Melbourne this year from February 1 to February 29. Since the first NSF in 1999, the event has increasingly gathered support from residents, universities, communities and the government.