Due to the Corona crisis, universities all over the world have closed their doors and moved teaching online. But this hasn’t stopped the Ecosia on Campus campaigners from encouraging their peers to switch their search engine to Ecosia and to take part in climate action while remaining inside.

How is the lockdown affecting students?

Left, Maurice Kajdan, teacher in training. Right, Flynn Ames, climate change science BA

In Germany, Maurice, the student campaigning to make Ecosia the default search engine at the University of Duisburg-Essen, says the library has closed and that seminars are taught online in what professors are calling a "hybrid semester".

During the lockdown in the UK, Flynn Ames has been working on his degree in climate change science while managing the UEA on Ecosia campaign.

"I’ve been lucky at how well my lectures have adapted their content online. While this isn’t as engaging as in-person lectures where the energy and passion of a lecturer can help draw you in, they’re still interesting and contain the same content, so I learn as much as I would otherwise"

- Flynn Ames

The resilience and creativity of students

Maria Giulia Sardone, Graduating remotely

In Italy, the lockdown didn’t stop Giulia from graduating with a law degree from the comfort of her home.

“If you had asked me three months ago the odds of graduating during a global pandemic, I'd say pretty low! But I graduated from my house in Rome using a remote connection and I discussed my master thesis with the Law Commission. LUISS university didn't stop during the COVID-19 emergency and organized all courses and graduation ceremonies online!”

- Maria Giulia Sardone

In between studying Giulia has held virtual meetings with the university’s sustainability officer and is building a case for making Ecosia the default for students on campus.

Hélèna Seron, ASSAS university Paris

Environmental activists use many different methods. As well as pursuing a master in law, Hélèna in France has been sharing vegan recipes and handicrafts to inspire students to stay happy and productive at home.

How are students fighting climate change online?

Erik Hopper, Music student in Hannover; Vladimir Belenkij, Music student in Freiburg; Maurice Kajdan, University of Duisburg-Essen

Because of social distancing rules, taking part in a demonstration isn’t an option for environmental campaigners. However, the Fridays for Future movement has brought the protest online and thousands of people are showing their solidarity with the climate movement by posting their climate slogans under the hashtag #ClimateStrikeOnline. As well as running the Leibniz on Ecosia campaign, Erik (featured on the left) also manages a local Students for Future Instagram page and is encouraging students not to give up the good fight.

Join our student community

Although university campuses are empty at the moment, the Ecosia on Campus community is supporting each other through this turbulent time and encouraging more and more students to switch their search engine to Ecosia.

Start an Ecosia on Campus campaign today by reading this guide and connect with a network of like-minded students influencing change while studying at university.

Follow the campaign’s updates on Facebook and Instagram and help us to spread the word at your school or university!