Sustainability is an essential focus at PDS, with multiple initiatives implemented to promote environmental awareness. Among them is the Energy and Climate Scholars program, which provides students with the unique opportunity to participate in meaningful discussions on climate action, energy policy, and sustainable innovations. By connecting students with professionals and experts in the field, this program offers valuable learning experiences to students with a passion for environmental science.
Every month, students in the program meet over dinner with guest speakers, including leaders from environmental organizations, policy experts, and researchers in sustainability. These speakers share insights on a wide variety of topics and subjects, from eco-friendly technology and environmental entrepreneurship to conservation efforts and climate policy. After each presentation, students take part in discussions, ask questions, and explore practical applications of what they have learned. After each presentation, students take part in discussions, ask questions, and explore practical applications such as researching sustainable farming techniques or evaluating local carbon sinks. This interactive approach fosters greater involvement and enables students to discover various ways in which climate action intersects with different industries and fields. Junior Rhea Ajmera, an Energy and Climate Scholar, expressed what she finds most fulfilling in the program: “I appreciate how unique each session is, allowing me to engage with and dive deeper into niche topics in a way that I wouldn’t be able to on my own.” She further emphasized that hearing from speakers on both an academic and personal level makes the discussions even more engaging and insightful.
In addition to individual growth, the Energy and Climate Scholars program also encourages broader conversations about sustainability at PDS. Sophomore Em Gao shared that the program raises awareness about climate challenges and introduces tangible solutions. Members recently discussed the Miyawaki method, a Japanese afforestation technique that maximizes vegetation growth in small spaces, as a potential method of increasing greenery on campus. For example, a notable project of the program was an extensive study on the ash trees at the front of the PDS campus, analyzing their capacity to act as a carbon sink–a natural system that absorbs and stores atmospheric carbon dioxide. By applying their knowledge to real spaces on campus, students see firsthand how sustainability efforts shape their environment.
For students interested in gaining a better understanding of sustainability, the Energy and Climate Scholars program is the perfect opportunity that prepares students with the critical skills and knowledge needed, through fostering discussions and connections with real-world expertise. By introducing more students to these topics, they can actively contribute to conversations about climate and energy challenges, both within the PDS community and beyond.
