Inspiring the Next Generation: Professor Benjamin Horton Engages Secondary School Students on Climate Action

Prof. Benjamin Horton, Dean and Chair Professor of the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), recently visited Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) and addressed hundreds of secondary school students on the defining challenge of our time: climate change. His talk underscored the urgency of climate action and the critical role of youth in shaping a sustainable future.

In his remarks, Prof. Horton emphasized that young people are not merely future leaders, but leaders today. He highlighted that empowering youth requires equipping them with knowledge, agency, support, and a global perspective. By building a science‑based understanding of climate risks, creating opportunities to design and implement local solutions, providing mentorship to help ideas become action, and fostering collaboration across borders, students can be empowered to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

Prof. Horton noted that the determination and sharp questions from secondary school students reflect a generation deeply aware of the climate crisis and eager to contribute solutions. He remarked that their passion is exactly what the planet needs, and it is the responsibility of educators, institutions, and society to nurture it.

SEE extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Shirla Sum, Secondary School Principal of VSA, for her kind invitation and warm welcome.

This outreach reflects SEE’s mission to inspire and empower the next generation to lead boldly in advancing sustainability, energy innovation, and environmental stewardship. SEE also offers Expert Talks for secondary school students. Interested schools may visit SEE website for further details: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/see/outreach/community-engagement/expert-talks-for-secondary-schools