UNESCO has today launched a new initiatives to green education in classrooms worldwide. Announced on World Environment Day in Paris, these initiatives include practical tools like the Greening Curriculum Guidance and the Green School Quality Standard. These resources aim to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to actively address environmental issues.
The Reasons
The need for comprehensive environmental education is more pressing than ever. A 2021 UNESCO analysis revealed that nearly half of national curricula do not mention climate disruption.
Furthermore, only 23% of teachers feel confident addressing climate action in their classrooms, and 70% of young people surveyed struggle to understand climate disruption.
UNESCO’s New Initiatives
Greening Curriculum Guidance
UNESCO’s Greening Curriculum Guidance offers a practical manual for integrating climate education across all school subjects. It provides detailed expected learning outcomes for different age groups, from five-year-olds to 18+. This guidance emphasizes active learning and hands-on activities to help students understand their power to make a difference.
Green School Quality Standard
The Green School Quality Standard, developed in collaboration with other UN agencies and civil society, sets minimum requirements for creating green schools. This standard promotes an action-oriented approach, recommending green governance committees and encouraging teacher training.
Schools are also advised to conduct audits of energy, water, food, and waste, and to foster stronger community ties.
Impact on Education
These initiatives mark a significant shift towards action-oriented learning. By moving beyond imparting knowledge to fostering real-world engagement, UNESCO aims to empower students to tackle the climate crisis.
As Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, states,
“Greening schools and curricula is one of the best levers to tackle climate disruption in the long-term.”
Guidance for Implementation
Practical Steps for Educators
- Set Up Green Governance Committees: Involve students, teachers, and parents in overseeing sustainable practices.
- Teacher Training: Ensure educators are well-equipped to teach climate-related topics effectively.
- Resource Audits: Regularly assess energy, water, food, and waste management in schools.
- Community Engagement: Strengthen ties with the local community to address environmental issues collaboratively.
Available Resources
UNESCO provides a wealth of resources to support these initiatives, including detailed guidelines, training programs, and funding opportunities for schools committed to greening their education systems.
Key Components of UNESCO’s Greening Education Initiatives
Initiative |
Description |
Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Greening Curriculum Guidance | Practical manual for integrating climate education across subjects. | Active learning, hands-on activities, age-specific learning outcomes |
| Green School Quality Standard | Standards for creating green schools with an action-oriented approach. | Green governance committees, teacher training, resource audits |
To Sum Up
UNESCO’s initiatives for greening education represent a crucial step towards equipping future generations to combat climate change. By integrating comprehensive climate education into classrooms, these efforts aim to foster a generation of informed and proactive individuals ready to address environmental challenges. Schools and educators are encouraged to adopt these guidelines and join the global effort to create a more sustainable future.
These initiatives not only enhance the quality of education but also instill a sense of responsibility and empowerment in young people, showing them that they can be part of the solution to the climate crisis.
As the French say, “Il n’y a pas de petites actions quand il s’agit de sauver la planète” – there are no small actions when it comes to saving the planet.
