Why education is a climate matter

Whether one chooses to focus on health, the environment, or decarbonisation, all action on climate change requires knowledge. But knowledge on its own is not enough; it needs to be translated and disseminated by way of education. Therefore, education, both for the young and as life-long learning, is key to climate action. In the UK, a lack of knowledge about climate change has even been identified as the most important barrier to engagement in climate action.¹ Empowering teachers will be essential to achieve the turnaround that is needed in taking care of our planet. Access to education, modern teaching tools and inspiring educational materials make a difference in helping children learn why and how the planet is warming and what can be done to stop this.

Education offers the opportunity also to learn about the overall benefits that containing climate change brings - whether in terms of health, social justice, food security or more even opportunities for different genders. Furthermore,  it can entice children and teenagers to get involved in protecting the planet, to train for professions needed to sustain a healthy climate or to take responsibility for our natural world in other ways. Besides programmes for children and teenagers, climate change education should also encompass learning activities of all ages. Acknowledging that learning is a lifelong endeavour highlights that institutions other than schools are vital places for climate education, such as faith based organisations, community groups and labour organisations.

The Siemens Stiftung is a corporate foundation committed to promoting sustainable social development. Climate-related issues are an integral part of the foundation’s work which focusses on Education, Culture, and Development Cooperation.