Green empowerment
As climate change is an existential crisis facing our generation, climate literacy must become a cornerstone of education and schools play a critical role in preparing students for a world that is rapidly changing.

Climate literacy should be interwoven throughout the curriculum. For example, Science classes can explore the physical aspects of climate change, such as greenhouse gases and their effects on global temperatures; Geography can examine the impact on ecosystems and human populations; and History can trace the industrial and policy decisions that led to the current crisis.

Project-based learning is also an effective way to engage students with the real-world implications of climate change. Teachers can facilitate projects where students calculate their carbon footprints, propose methods to reduce them, and implement these strategies at school or in their communities.

Such projects help students apply academic knowledge to practical problems, fostering a deeper understanding of climate issues.

Field studies are also an invaluable tool for climate education, allowing students to see the effects of climate change firsthand. For example, visiting a local beach affected by erosion or a forest impacted by disease or pests can illustrate the immediate effects of a changing climate.

The arts and humanities provide a platform for students to process the emotional aspects of climate change. Literature and art classes can explore themes related to nature, sustainability and human responsibility, while drama, poetry and role-playing can help students understand the social dynamics of climate policy and negotiation.

Role of tech

Technology brings climate education to life. Interactive models and simulations, such as those that demonstrate weather patterns or the effects of sea-level rise on different geographies, can make complex data relatable and easy to understand.

Digital platforms can also connect students with their peers around the world, fostering a global perspective on climate issues.

Teacher training

To teach climate literacy effectively, educators must themselves be well-versed in the subject.

Professional development programmes focused on climate science, pedagogical approaches to environmental education, and psychological aspects of climate change are essential.

Teachers need tools to approach the subject sensitively and constructively, given its potential to cause anxiety among students.

Right balance

The integration of climate literacy into school programmes promotes interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking skills, as students must consider the scientific, social and ethical dimensions of climate change.

Climate education also inspires innovation and creativity, as students think about sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

However, educators face the challenge of presenting information about climate change – a distressing subject – in a way that empowers, rather than disheartens, students.

It is crucial to balance discussions on the severity of climate change with a focus on actions that can mitigate its effects.

Tackling eco-anxiety

The psychological impact of climate change on students is an area of growing concern. Eco-anxiety, or anxiety relating to ecological crises, is increasingly prevalent among young people.

Educators must be prepared to address these mental health challenges by incorporating positive actions and resilience-building into the curriculum, which can help students cope with eco-anxiety.

Mental health professionals should be part of the educational team, providing support for students struggling with feelings of fear, anger or helplessness about the state of the environment.

Climate education should also include a focus on emotional intelligence, helping students to articulate and manage their feelings about climate change.

Student-led initiatives

Empowerment through action is a critical concept in addressing eco-anxiety, particularly within the context of educational settings.

By emphasising the potential for positive change through individual and collective action, schools can transform students’ concerns and anxieties about climate change into proactive engagement.

These not only teach students about sustainability, but also give them a direct role in enacting change. For example, students could start a composting programme to reduce food waste or create a school garden to learn about and contribute to local biodiversity.

Energy conservation campaigns, such as promoting lights-off hours and zero-emission days, can be instrumental as these activities allow students to see the tangible impact of their efforts and to understand that their actions make a difference.

Policy advocacy

Educational institutions should provide opportunities for students to engage in policy advocacy. This could involve organising events where students can interact with local policymakers, encouraging them to voice their concerns and suggestions for environmental policies. Schools can support mock council meetings or debates on climate policies, helping students develop skills to articulate their ideas in public forums.

Collaboration is key

Local businesses and community groups can enhance school environmental initiatives, offering students broader engagement opportunities.

Governments can empower these efforts by providing financial support, incentivising sustainability in schools, mandating climate education, and establishing youth councils for inclusive environmental policymaking, to ensure that young voices are heard in the discourse on climate action.

Recognising and rewarding the efforts of students and schools can further enhance empowerment.

Awards for sustainability efforts, scholarships for students engaged in environmental action, and public recognition of school initiatives can motivate and inspire continued participation and leadership in climate-related activities.

Preparing for change

It is through these collective efforts that students can be transformed from passive learners into active participants in the fight against climate change, equipped with the knowledge, skills and emotional resilience to lead a more sustainable future.

Climate literacy is about preparing students for change, not only in terms of understanding the science, but also in developing problem-solving skills to thrive in a world affected by climate change and to be at the forefront of creating a more sustainable planet.

It is not only about imparting knowledge, but also about fostering the skills and attitudes necessary to navigate and address the complexities of climate change.

Schools have a unique opportunity to shape a future generation that is environmentally conscious, emotionally resilient, adaptable, and empowered to take action.

Vinorra Shaker is the School of Psychology associate head and a senior lecturer at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). Her vision is to bridge the divide between traditional psychological theories and the ever-changing digital world, deepening our comprehension of human behaviour in the cyber realm. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
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As climate change is an existential crisis facing our generation, climate literacy must become a cornerstone of education and schools play a critical role in preparing students for a world that is rapidly changing.