Learning for Change: Exploring the intersection of education and COP28

Climate change poses an existential threat that demands a comprehensive and sustained response. In this context, the role of education becomes paramount, serving as the catalyst to nurture a generation with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address and mitigate climate challenges.

As the 28th Conference of the Parties, or COP28 hosted by the UAE, it is essential to acknowledge the value of such international platforms in addressing the region’s unique climate challenges and proposing innovative solutions through climate education.

Education plays a pivotal role in the global battle against climate change, a fact underscored by crucial statistics. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) notes a global temperature rise of 1.1 degrees Celsius, emphasising the imperative for extensive education on climate science and sustainable behaviours.

Education will play a key role in transformative climate action

In confronting the repercussions of climate change, education stands out as the foundation for nurturing a climate-resilient generation capable of instigating transformative change. UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 programme seeks to empower learners to make informed decisions and enact both individual and collective actions for societal change and environmental stewardship.

Green education is not merely an elective but a moral imperative and a responsibility that transcends individual choices. In a world grappling with the profound impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion, fostering an understanding of sustainable practices becomes an ethical obligation. To accelerate urgent action on climate sustainability, the Greening Education Partnership by UNESCO was introduced at the Transforming Education Summit last year.

This global initiative is designed to execute robust, synchronised, and comprehensive efforts to enhance the integration of climate change education. The primary goal of the Greening Education Partnership is to implement robust, synchronised, and comprehensive measures that will equip every learner with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to address climate change and advocate for sustainable development. Additionally, it seeks to encourage nations to take action in empowering learners with the skills needed for inclusive and sustainable economic development in the context of the shift towards environmentally friendly economies.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience plays a vital role in cultivating a profound comprehension of environmental issues. COP28 has the potential to stimulate programs that advocate for experiential learning, motivating students to actively interact with nature, comprehend ecosystems, and directly observe the consequences of climate change.

Educational institutions are increasingly integrating environmental studies into their curriculum. For instance, Heriot-Watt University has designed many programmes to equip the next generation of environmental scientists with the multidisciplinary skills needed to tackle the complex global issues associated with climate change, societal challenges, and policy development. The curriculum has also been designed to instill green skills by integrating sustainability principles, offering specialised courses in sustainability engineering and renewable energy, and incorporating hands-on projects. Our curriculum equips students with the knowledge and practical abilities needed to contribute effectively to a green and sustainable future.

The UAE has also recognised the urgency of climate action and is actively incorporating environmental awareness into its education system. A vital component of the UAE’s policies for environmental preservation involves promoting a sense of responsibility towards natural resources among the younger generations. This objective is reinforced through the introduction of ‘The National Environmental Education and Awareness Strategy 2015-2021,’ designed per international standards and the expectations of relevant stakeholders.

Key challenges to green education

The implementation of green education faces multifaceted challenges, hindering its widespread integration. New UNESCO data from 100 countries shows that only 53 per cent of the world’s national education curricula reference climate change. When the subject is mentioned, it is almost always given very low priority. Limited funding poses a substantial hurdle, with the Global Partnership for Education reporting that in low-income countries, only 2.4 per cent of education aid is allocated to climate-related projects.

Additionally, a lack of trained educators proficient in environmental science hampers effective dissemination of green education.

Overcoming these challenges requires concerted global efforts to allocate sufficient resources, develop comprehensive policies, and invest in training programs for educators. As the urgency of climate action intensifies, addressing these challenges becomes imperative to ensure that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable practices.

Shaping a sustainable future

Green education is a moral compass guiding us toward a more sustainable and equitable future. It calls for a collective acknowledgment that the preservation of our planet is not negotiable but an inherent duty we owe to ourselves, future generations, and the delicate ecosystems that sustain life. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, embracing green education is not just a choice – it is a moral imperative that defines our legacy and the health of the planet we call home.

The writer is the deputy principal of Business and Enterprise, Heriot-Watt University