From 10 to 22 August 2025, over 40 emerging climate leaders studying at Chinese and German universities gathered in Munich and the Bavarian Alps for the second edition of the Sino-German Study Camp. Organised by the project “Sino-German Cooperation on Climate Change – Climate Partnership”, in partnership with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Tsinghua University, this intensive two-week program offered a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary learning, cultural exchange, and hands-on collaboration.
The program brought together renowned experts from around the world to share insights on a wide range of critical topics. Participants heard from professors such as Miranda Schreurs on global climate governance, Valerie Karplus on the challenges of deep decarbonisation in industrial supply chains, Dongsheng Wen on innovations in thermodynamics, and Peter Hennicke, the former president of the Wuppertal Institute and Member of the Club of Rome. The program also included lectures by specialists like Henrik and Noelle Selin, who guided students through climate diplomacy and systems thinking, as well as Prof. Jian Zhang and Hu Bin from Tsinghua University, who highlighted China’s climate strategies and the role of AI in climate change action.
Beyond the lecture hall, students engaged directly with real-world climate action through field visits to sites such as the Walchensee hydropower plant, a century-old facility demonstrating sustainable energy generation, and the Alpine Museum, where they explored the impacts of climate change on the Alpine region. Visits to Munich’s Olympic Park and the Pinakothek der Moderne offered insights into sustainable urban development and climate-responsive architecture, while a boat trip to Klostergut Schlehdorf highlighted local approaches to sustainability and agriculture.
Interactive workshops and simulations were central to the experience. Students participated in an En-ROADS climate policy simulation that modelled pathways to limit global warming, a lively climate “karaoke” communication challenge to sharpen their ability to explain complex topics simply, and a climate diplomacy role-play to practice negotiation skills. These activities were complemented by group projects where international teams developed policy briefs addressing pressing energy and climate issues.
Throughout the study camp, students also presented their own research and case studies they are currently working on, covering topics such as transboundary water cooperation in China, economic impacts of extreme weather events, wind power development, public communication strategies for just transitions, and climate-responsive urban design.
At the end of the study camp, the students presented the policy briefs they had developed over the two weeks, highlighting rich collaboration potential and innovative ideas. By combining rigorous academic input, creative exercises, and immersive field experiences, the program empowered young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and global networks needed to drive the energy and climate transition in their home countries and beyond.
As the climate crisis demands unprecedented international cooperation, initiatives like the Sino-German Study Camp demonstrate the vital role of youth exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue in fostering global solutions and nurturing the next generation of climate innovators.
