U.S. Universities’ Investment in Sustainability Eclipsed by International Peers

American universities are now trailing international counterparts in sustainability investment, according to analysis of the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Only one U.S. university made it into the global top 50 for SDG engagement, while multiple Canadian and other global institutions secured prominent positions.

The article notes that political and funding shifts within the U.S., including pressures from recent federal policies, may hinder future progress on sustainability goals. While Canadian universities showed robust presence, several top U.S. institutions experienced a decline in environmental and social impact rankings. The study emphasizes that strong research capacity alone is insufficient—active SDG engagement is essential to remain competitive in the evolving landscape of higher education.