Imagine. Solve.
Lead.
A Solutions-Based Approach to Climate Change
The climate crisis touches everything — so should climate education.
At Samsø Labs, we believe climate leadership starts early — with imagination, courage, and the belief that students can help lead climate solutions right now, right where they are.
Why We Need Systems Change
Climate change isn’t just about carbon or rising temperatures. It’s a wake-up call that the systems we rely on— how we power our homes, grow our food, move through cities, and make things—must be completely reimagined.
To protect what we love, we need to cut 50 billion tons* of emissions and reach net-zero by 2050. That won’t happen through just recycling and composting. It’ll take bold ideas, fresh thinking, and most importantly, a generation ready to lead.
Five Systems. One Future.
Climate innovation isn’t just about doing less harm — it’s about designing systems that heal, restore, and regenerate.
At Samsø Labs, we focus on five systems that drive emissions and shape our lives. Each one offers a chance to reimagine what’s possible:
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Energy – Power our world with clean, smart, renewable tech
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Food Systems – Grow food that restores land and supports equity
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Buildings & Cities – Design spaces that work with nature, not against it
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Transportation – Move people and goods in clean, fair, efficient ways
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Waste & Materials – Rethink what we use and how we reuse it—with circular design
A Place for Future-Makers
Only 11% of young people** believe the world is headed in the right direction. That tells us very clearly - something needs to change.
At Samsø Labs, we believe climate education should build climate optimism, not overwhelm. Through creative learning, hands-on exploration, and big-picture thinking, students discover that their ideas matter — and that they can help shape the future.
"Talking to children about climate change is not just about educating them on the science; it’s about empowering them to be part of the solution." — Elizabeth Bagley, Ph.D, Managing Director at Project Drawdown.
The Power of What If ...
Creative Thinking Is a Climate Skill
At Samsø Labs, we start with the science—but we don’t stop there. We connect what students learn to what they love: art, tech, design, writing, food, fashion, civic action. Then we ask:
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What if your sneakers could clean the air?
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What if your school grew lunch in floating gardens?
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What if your hoodie dissolved into wildflowers?
We encourage bold ideas — even the absurd ones. As Einstein said, “If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.”
Our hands-on projects (especially those aligned with SDGs 12 & 13) build creative confidence, systems thinking, and the drive to make things better.
From Learning to Leading
Four Programs. Infinite Possibilities.
At Samsø Labs, students don’t just learn about climate change - they design, build, teach, and lead solutions.
Our four free, flexible programs are designed for students, volunteers, and educators ready to bring climate learning to life—in classrooms, clubs, and communities.
You don’t have to be an expert—just curious and ready to start.
What You Can Do:
✔️ Teach Climate Science — Run workshops or mentor younger students
✔️ Lead Innovation Labs — Redesign everyday objects for a low-carbon world
✔️ Create Climate Art — Tell bold stories through visuals, materials, and performance
✔️ Explore Green Careers — Connect passions to purpose-driven future jobs
Pick one. Mix and match. Make it your own.
"Climate fluency should be as fundamental as digital literacy.” — Samsø Labs
The Story That Sparked Samsø Labs
Samsø Labs is named after Samsø — a small island in Denmark proved that big change is possible.
In just ten years, the people of Samsø replaced fossil fuels with 100% clean energy. Not because of billionaires or politicians—but because everyday people took the lead. Farmers, teachers, shopkeepers, and students reimagined what their community could be — and built it together.
Our visit to Samsø lit a spark. Samsø Labs was created and carries that spirit forward — giving students the tools, creativity, and support to lead climate solutions in their own communities.
"We didn’t wait for permission. We just started.”
— Søren Hermansen, Director of the Samsø Energy Academy
Bring It to Your School or Community
Whether you're part of a Green Team, an environmental club, a leadership class—or just someone with a bold idea—Samsø Labs is here to support you.
Our free, flexible programs are perfect for:
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Students ready to take the lead
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Clubs and classrooms launching sustainability projects
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Youth earning service hours or building standout college applications
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Teachers, counselors, and volunteers looking for STEM-aligned enrichment
You’ll get:
✔️ Plug-and-play toolkits for hands-on projects
✔️ Mentorship pathways and planning resources
✔️ Flexible options that adapt to your schedule, setting, and goals
No experience needed. Just the courage to start.
And we’ll be right beside you.
Ready to launch something impactful?
Fill out the form below and let’s build it—together.
Simon, 8th Grade, CA
“I never saw myself as a leader. But after teaching climate science to fifth graders, I felt like I had something important to give. That changed everything.”
*Source: Rhodium 2021
**The Changing Childhood Project” — UNICEF & Gallup (2021)