Abstract
Climate change disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities, especially in low-income countries, by disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods. When government is making significant effort to reduce vulnerability, it does not help as the limited resources hinder capacity building and as result affecting decision-making. Such case universities are vital in helping governments to build their capacity through education, research, advocacy, and community engagement. It is also crucial that universities integrate climate change concepts into various programs such as regular academic courses and training programs to ensure that the knowledge and skills are preserved and disseminated across generations. Curriculum can educate next generation of leaders, while specialized training programs can be tailored to meet stakeholders’ needs, and research can contribute to innovative solutions. Universities can also advocate for climate action through engaging stakeholders in science and policy dialogue. This paper summarizes the role of universities and factors affecting universities in contributing to climate action and documents the efforts made by the Royal University of Bhutan in facilitating climate action. Bhutan is highly vulnerable to climate change despite its significant efforts to maintain carbon neutrality and contributing insignificantly to the cause of climate change. As role of universities is becoming increasingly important globally, their effort is pivotal by generating knowledge and enhancing the skills required to tackle the climate crisis. The education, research, and community service are significant as universities can play a significant role in building capacity in science, policy, and action among the leaders of different generations. This can be done by projects and approaches in reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy, as models for low carbon development.