Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s Ahmed Baharoon on why environmental education is the way forward

Elaborate on the growth and impact of environmental education on the future of sustainability. How can environmental education have an impact on changing society?

Environmental education is a cornerstone of societal advancement, playing a critical role in global communities’ evolution and enhancing livelihoods.

Research indicates that comprehensive environmental education is fundamental in fostering a nuanced understanding of sustainable development within a society. In the UAE, a concerted effort has been made to embed environmental consciousness throughout generations, emphasising the importance of both formal and informal education in raising awareness of the need for the preservation of our natural heritage.  For example, the Ministry of Education recently announced a Green Education Partnership in collaboration with UNESCO and UNICEF, to provide a national framework for schools across the UAE, supporting climate education and empowering young individuals to take action.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has been at the forefront of this educational revolution, championing initiatives that resonate deeply with our cultural and ecological values.

Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and international organisations, EAD has worked to weave environmental stewardship into the fabric of our educational systems, thereby empowering Emirati youth to become proactive custodians of our environment.

Furthermore, environmental education plays a powerful role in transforming societal attitudes and behaviours towards the environment. By increasing awareness about the far-reaching effects of eco challenges like climate change and pollution, individuals are more inclined to understand the underlying causes and ramifications of such issues. This heightened understanding leads to the adoption of novel and enhanced actions and behaviours.

Moreover, environmental education underscores the significance of sustainable practices, equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilise resources efficiently and make environmentally conscious choices.

It can also empower individuals to become advocates for environmental causes. Informed and culturally aware citizens are more likely to participate in environmental movements and support conservation efforts, imposing an influence on public policy. A well-informed and engaged society, for example, can put pressure on governments and corporations to implement and enforce environmental policies and regulations, so that more people understand the importance of these policies and how they can contribute to their development and implementation.

Consequently, by increasing awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility, environmental education can contribute to a more environmentally conscious and sustainable society.

How important is calling upon educators, education systems, and governments to integrate education and learning responses to address interconnected challenges?

The impetus to incorporate environmental education within our learning frameworks has never been more pressing. As a critical lever for sustainable development, it equips our society to tackle environmental challenges with informed and innovative approaches. The integration of environmental concepts in educational programmes around the world has marked a positive with many schools embracing environmental education and sustainable development, and the associated technologies.

The UAE has similarly started to integrate renewable energy and sustainable development in its education system for more socially knowledgeable future student batches.

A global study also revealed that if 16 per cent of secondary school students in middle and high-income countries across the globe were educated about climate change, it could lead to a reduction of nearly 19 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2050.

Considering this, the necessity arises for international platforms that would unite education stakeholders in a cooperative and engaging setting to tackle these challenges. One such platform is the upcoming World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC2024), a global congress focused on education for the environment and sustainable development. It is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi this January. With such environmental programmes paving the way for a generation of problem solvers, it is important to call upon worldwide educators to implement the required learning paths for the future age to inspire a generation of conscious decision-making.

 Why is there a need for wider awareness of current global challenges and the role of youth?

The ability to drive change hinges upon the comprehension and adoption of socially and environmentally conscious behaviour. It is imperative to foster awareness and highlight critical subjects and ongoing challenges that pose threats to our environment. Preserving our planet and mitigating risks is a collective responsibility, necessitating robust action facilitated by environmental education. It is crucial to recognise that effecting societal change includes providing the appropriate platform for individuals who can influence the necessary policies, thereby fostering a more sustainable and improved community.

In driving positive change within our communities and addressing the most pressing environmental issues facing our planet, they are the future leaders, policymakers, and parents.

The younger generations are the ones who will directly bear the long-term consequences of the climate crisis, making them uniquely capable of grasping the urgency of environmental preservation and having the greatest potential to effect change for future generations. Therefore, it falls upon us to empower the youth by providing them with a voice through environmental education. By doing so, we not only foster environmental consciousness but also cultivate socially responsible behaviour that can shape a sustainable future.

 Tell us more about the initiatives that the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is focusing on to support future environmentalists.

At the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), we recognise that the youth are the true custodians of the UAE’s future, with the power to enact tangible change. It is our steadfast commitment to foster a better and more sustainable future for all by actively engaging the upcoming generations in line with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s ongoing mission.

To this end, we have implemented a series of initiatives aimed at empowering youth with experiential learning, knowledge, advocacy, skills, and platforms to become future ambassadors for nature. This includes a range of initiatives, including the Enviro-Spellation programme, which enhances students’ eco-literacy, as well as the Sustainable Schools and Campus Initiatives (SSI and SCI). Furthermore, we have launched the Connect with Nature movement and our own EAD broadcast initiative, the Naturally Educated Podcasts, all to equip and inspire the youth to champion environmental causes.

How are you providing platforms to share insights and innovative solutions to support the broader environmental cause?

As the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is proud to host the World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC2024) in the region. This conference is a dedicated platform for promoting environmental education and sustainable development, bringing together stakeholders to share insights, experiences, and knowledge in these fields. As the 12^th edition of the congress and the first in the Middle East, we are excited to connect with visitors interested in exploring emerging trends and addressing challenges in this domain.

WEEC2024 is a dynamic platform that aims to foster global dialogues on sustainability and advance discussions, learnings, and insights in environmental education. Serving as a major sustainability event in 2024, it underscores the UAE’s unwavering dedication to driving change through environmental education.

The conference will showcase a diverse range of best industry practices and innovative projects supported by cutting-edge research in environmental education.

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops, enlightening panel discussions, and keynote presentations by renowned experts. These sessions will cover a wide spectrum of viewpoints and accomplishments in the field of environmental education, offering attendees a rich and diverse learning experience.

The World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC 2024) follows COP 28, which highlights the importance of education. Tell us about the conference agenda, themes, and speakers for this year. Please elaborate on the roadmap of WEEC 2024 and the efforts by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi for a sustainable future.

WEEC2024, under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of EAD‘s Board of Directors, will aim to enable change, promoting sustainable practices through education.

The conference will take place in Abu Dhabi from January 29 to February 2, 2024.

In addition to fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration in environmental education, WEEC2024 will explore specialised topics that enhance understanding of sustainable development across various fields. The conference will delve into themes such as collaborative approaches to addressing the triple planetary crisis (climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss), the integration of artificial intelligence and smart technologies, the role of art and design in environmental education, and the infusion of sustainable development and environmental education in early childhood studies. These are just a few examples of the diverse range of themes that will be covered during the conference.

We have an impressive line-up of esteemed speakers and influential leaders in environmental education, sustainability, and youth empowerment. This includes prominent figures such as Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi; Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change high-level champion for COP28; Mamo Boru Mamo, director general of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Africa; Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, director general of Emirates Nature-WWF; Dr Rahmah Eleftheria, chief of section for Capacity Development & Water Sciences at the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) of UNESCO; Dr Najib Saab, secretary general of the Arab Forum for Environment & Development (AFED); David Orr, distinguished professor of Environmental Studies and Politics Emeritus at Oberlin College; and many others.

As part of WEEC2024, we will also host the Youth Environmental Education Conference (YEEC), providing a platform for young individuals to shape a sustainable future and drive positive change through innovative environmental education and advocacy. YEEC aims to empower youth, encouraging them to voice their opinions, expand their knowledge, forge connections with international peers, and learn from one another.

We are delighted to witness governments and enterprises worldwide prioritising the environment, and as an agency dedicated to environmental preservation, we are dedicated to maintaining this momentum to ensure a sustainable future for all.

We are committed to ensuring that the 12^th WEEC will leave a legacy to the world. One that distills all of the best practices, expertise and experiences from around the world, and provides proper guidance on the way forward for environmental education and education for sustainable development. The roadmap informed by the expertise, wisdom and experience of the world’s experts, as well as the aspirations, insights, and enthusiasm of youth emanating from the 12^th WEEC will provide just such a legacy, and we cannot wait to share it with the world.