As an MSc Economics student, Alex Luu has seen sustainability shift from a side topic to something that shapes how students study, live, and plan their futures. In this blog, he shares why it matters to him and why student voices are key to making change happen.
'Sustainability, as defined by the United Nations, means 'meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' This definition often comes to mind as I follow news stories of social and environmental devastation. From the destructive hurricane that tore through Jamaica to the rapid increase in water and energy demand driven by new AI data centres, these events sadly do not stand alone. Instead, they are part of a pattern that is becoming harden to ignore.
I am far from alone in feeling concerned.
At the University of Bath, the 2024/25 Sustainability Survey found 87% of students feel worried when thinking about climate change, and 94% believe the University should be taking action on climate change and sustainability. This clearly reflects how strongly sustainability resonates with my peers.
Thinking about my future
As students approaching the start of our professional journeys, we naturally look towards the future. But how often is sustainability factored into our career choices?
When applying for jobs, I consistently ask myself:
- what does this company do?
- is it sustainable?
- are they actively working towards environmental and social responsibility?
Although the job application process is often tedious, I want my future employer—and therefore my work—to reflect my values. It's not just me; nearly 60% of Gen Z and Millennial workers would leave a job due to misaligned values, suggesting sustainability is no longer a nice to have. It is shaping real career decisions.
For many students, however, full-time careers may still feel distant. The good news is that meaningful action doesn’t have to wait.
Creating change together
Sustainability can start with everyday actions. For me, that means buying second-hand through charity shops and Vinted, walking to campus (despite the steepness), and eating more plant-based meals. These small changes quickly add up and do more than just reduce my environmental impact. I've noticed a number of hidden benefits along the way including saving money and boosting my wellbeing.
However, the road to a sustainable future cannot be achieved through individual action alone; it requires collective effort. Students like myself are the leaders of today and tomorrow, and using our voices is a powerful tool for change.
We can use our influence for good by:
- participating in surveys
- speaking to our tutors and academic reps
- joining forces with like-minded people in societies and groups
- attending protests
- making conscious choices about where we spend our money
Active engagement can push institutions and businesses to take sustainability more seriously.
Why you should get involved
Getting involved in sustainability is not just good for the planet, it's good for you. Personally, I’ve found a strong sense of community among people who want to make a difference. I’ve also built valuable skills and knowledge that have helped me adopt a more intentional and informed approach to living sustainably.
If you're looking to get started, I'd recommend:
- exploring the Student Guide to Living Sustainably, for practical, budget-friendly ways to build sustainable habits
- take part in an upcoming Carbon Literacy course to build skills and knowledge, and boost your CV
- join initiatives such as Green Impact for hands-on experience (it's how I ended up writing this blog!)
And remember, sustainability isn’t just about the future, it’s about the choices we make today.'
Alex Luu
MSc Economics
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