The summit was hosted by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) at Wollongong Youth Centre on Monday night.

Students were given training in renewable energies, solutions to climate change, campaigning techniques, and leadership and communication skills.

AYCC Wollongong schools co-ordinator Joe English said it was important for young people who wanted to take up a cause to know how to conduct themselves.

"People have these ideas that you have to march on the street, and things can turn violent, which is not what we're about," he said.

"Lots of our actions are really innovative and challenge what it is to be an activist."

Edmund Rice College student Christopher Johnston joined the summit after recently being named sustainability prefect.

"It's important that we know how we can solve problems in our local community," he said.

"I have quite a limited view of what I can do at my school. That's why I've come to this night - to get some ideas."

The summit was funded by the Office of Environment and Heritage.