Earth Hacks

Earth Hacks is a global hackathon initiative that harnesses hackathons as a form of environmental education. Since 2019, it has engaged over 6,000 young people worldwide in building collaborative, open-source tools for action.

Earth Hacks reimagines the hackathon as a classroom for climate and environmental justice. Rather than centering competition or polished prototypes, our events prioritize exploration, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students are introduced to pressing environmental challenges - ranging from renewable energy to biodiversity loss - and guided through a structured process of inquiry, ideation, and experimentation. The format functions as service-learning when local partners are involved, but always emphasizes education: deepening participants’ understanding of environmental systems, helping them practice interdisciplinary collaboration, and encouraging them to reflect on the broader implications of their ideas.