The Mohawk School of Climate Action – Where Education Meets Urgency

Mohawk College’s new School of Climate Action is not just another academic initiative—it’s a call to action for students, industry, and communities to build a regenerative, sustainable future. In a recent interview, David Santi, a key leader behind the school, shared how Mohawk is redefining climate education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Q: What is the primary mission/vision of the Mohawk School of Climate Action, and how does it propose to address climate change education?

A: The mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a decarbonized future. The school's emphasis on "action" reflects its commitment to practical competence alongside theory. All programs—nursing, engineering, trades, and business—integrate sustainability and climate elements, prioritizing Indigenous knowledge and equity. This interdisciplinary approach aims to make a measurable difference through collaboration with industry, communities, and other institutions.

Mohawk's Climate School is built on four pillars: 1. Climate Leadership, 2. Climate Action, 3. Research & Innovation, and 4. Partnerships & Initiatives. The vision is to be a center of excellence for climate and sustainability leadership, transforming ideas into action for a more sustainable and resilient future. Collaborating with the Center for Climate Change Management and the Bay Area Climate Change Council, Mohawk focuses on fostering meaningful change. This initiative goes beyond academia, aiming for impactful solutions that balance ease of implementation with complexity for greater outcomes.

Q: Why is there a focus on “action” rather than just climate or sustainability?

A: “Action” is critical because colleges are about building workplace competence. The transition to a low-carbon future requires practical skills, not just awareness. The school wants Mohawk graduates to be recognized for their climate-conscious decision-making and commitment to sustainability and inclusion[1].

Q: How does Mohawk College incorporate practical skills and real-world experience into its climate curriculum?

A: The college excels at turning theory into experiential learning through co-ops, capstone projects, and industry collaborations. Students work on real projects with industry partners, such as energy audits and decarbonization initiatives, ensuring they are job-ready and can apply what they’ve learned. For example, we’ve worked with companies to reduce energy consumption, help with ESG reporting, and redesign service stations for net-zero operations, research decarbonization ideas with the steel industry, tested bio-fuels for aviation and many other projects to give students experience. We currently teach product and engineering design but need to teach circular design to better understand the life cycle of products and ensure minimal environmental impact.

Q: What micro-credentials are offered, and how do they support climate action?

A: Mohawk, in partnership with 14 other colleges, offers about 160 micro-credentials funded by the federal government. These short, flexible courses—often online or delivered in condensed formats—cover topics like retrofits and heat pumps, making it easier for industry professionals to upskill and for the workforce to gain competencies needed for the green economy[1].

Q: What is the Digital Observatory, and how does it benefit students?

A: The Digital Observatory is an AI-driven suite of applications that enables students to simulate and analyze the environmental impact of urban development and policy decisions. It empowers students and municipalities to make informed choices by modeling factors such as carbon footprint, energy systems, and urban layouts, thus preparing graduates to utilize digital tools for sustainability.

For instance, as we focus on urban development due to population growth, these tools allow us to gather and analyze information on various environmental aspects—flora, fauna, water systems, and even less obvious factors like tire particulate pollution from highways. In Burlington, for example, while steel mills are often blamed for air pollution, significant contaminants also come from highways, affecting both air quality and water systems.

As we plan to accommodate an additional 100,000 residents in Burlington, it's essential to simulate the potential environmental impacts. The Digital Observatory can model how population increases over the next 20 years will affect carbon emissions and community health. By utilizing digital twinning, we can optimize costs, reduce energy consumption, and improve traffic flow, taking into account community needs like parking, bike paths, and overall livability.

This technology provides students with valuable exposure to AI applications, allowing them to make better, data-informed decisions in their respective fields.

Q: Can you share examples of student or school-led projects?

A: Projects include working with heavy industry to reduce energy consumption, helping companies with ESG reporting, and redesigning service stations for net zero operations (e.g., integrating hydrogen, battery charging, and energy-efficient refrigeration). These projects demonstrate the school’s commitment to practical, innovative, impactful solutions[1].

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges to advancing climate education and action in Canada?

A: Key barriers include funding, political will, and the need for stakeholder collaboration. Santi notes that while technology is available, the main challenge is change management and willingness to adopt new practices. He also highlights the importance of negotiating with communities, governments, and other stakeholders to balance economic needs with sustainability goals[1].

Q: How does the school address the cultural aspect of sustainability?

A: The school aims to foster a culture of minimalism and responsible resource use, inspired by European models where urban development and outdoor spaces are as important as buildings themselves. While symbolic changes may not be immediately visible, efforts are underway to reduce waste, promote healthy food options, and encourage digital over paper tools[1].

Q: What is your perspective on the future of climate action and sustainability?

A: I am not a fan of unrealistic goals for 2030 or 2050 without deliberate strategies and measures.  I view climate and sustainability as an ongoing journey, not a destination. I can’t stress enough the need for continuous adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and practical education and sharing practices with other countries that have demonstrated success. I believe that small actions can add up to significant improvements, as seen during the COVID-19 when ecosystems in places like Greenland and the Arctic began to show some recovery—there was more snow and colder temperatures because less carbon was emitted. This demonstrates that even small changes, when done collectively, can make a noticeable difference.

He emphasizes the importance of being informed and open to learning, recommending resources like the book "The Insect Crisis." After reading it, I personally stopped using pesticides and became more mindful of the role insects play in the ecosystem. Santi’s message is that education—whether through books, observation, or changing habits—empowers us to make better choices. Simple actions, such as reducing waste, avoiding harmful chemicals, and respecting nature, can add up to meaningful improvements for the environment. He encourages everyone to stay curious, seek out credible information, and remember that individual efforts, when multiplied, have real impact[1].

Bio for David Santi

David Santi is a dedicated educator, sustainability advocate, and the interim dean of the School of Climate Action at Mohawk College. With over 35 years of experience in manufacturing, David has worked extensively with industry partners on sustainability and decarbonization strategies, bringing a wealth of real-world knowledge to his role in higher education and industry leader.

A graduate of Fleming College in Natural Resources and Motive Power Technology and Western University in Technological Studies, David also completed the Executive Program in Sustainability at the European Institute of Innovation and Sustainability (EIIS). His career reflects a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, innovative education, and the belief that empowering future generations is essential in the fight against climate change.

Under David's leadership, the School of Climate Action has launched a suite of forward-thinking degree and diploma programs that integrate academic theory with hands-on learning. His vision centers on preparing students not just for careers, but for meaningful contributions to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. As he often states, "We gave this generation this problem, we need to prepare them with the knowledge and skills to provide innovative solutions, and the confidence that they can make a difference."

David has been instrumental in fostering partnerships across educational institutions, government bodies, and community organizations. He has led and supported various sustainability initiatives, including his work with Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2), where he collaborated with 14 institutions to develop over 160 green micro-credentials, helping upskill the Canadian workforce for a rapidly changing economy.

In addition to his administrative and strategic roles, David is actively involved in research focused on sustainable practices and climate resilience. He remains deeply engaged with students, faculty, and the broader community, believing that education is one of the most powerful tools to drive environmental and social change.

Through his leadership, passion, and collaborative approach, David Santi continues to inspire the next generation of climate leaders and advocates, shaping a future where sustainability is central to both education and action.

About Mohawk Climate Action School

The Mohawk College School of Climate Action prepares the next generation of climate leaders to create a more sustainable world, empowering students and the community to solve global challenges and drive change.