VIRTUAL COFFEE BREAK (Recording)
Language: English
Climate change is an undeniable reality that is affecting our world more than ever before. From rising temperatures to extreme weather events, , on food and water resources, the challenges are many and interrelated. These issues affect our daily lives and are closely linked to climate change. Climate education goes beyond teaching the scientific concepts behind climate change, it is about preparing the younger generations for the challenges they are already facing and will inherit.
For instance, the , including malnutrition and disease, compound the challenges, leading to missed school days or, in severe cases, dropping out of school. Displacement and migration caused by climate-related disasters disrupt education as families relocate and face new barriers such as lack of documentation and language differences. The barriers young people face because of climate change can range from infrastructure to psychological trauma and stress. Inadequate school infrastructure because of climate-related disasters leads to prolonged disruption of education. In addition, the psychological toll of dealing with the trauma and stress of climate-related disasters is significant, affecting their mental well-being and reducing their ability to focus on their education.
During our virtual coffee break, we will discuss climate education on three fronts: 1) teacher training and the need to prepare educators to address climate crises among their students; 2) learning from real examples and challenges at the local level; and 3) how school infrastructure is important to mitigate climate change and also to adapt to upcoming climate events, and how infrastructure is also a pedagogical way to teach and communicate climate change.