Overview

Before we dive into the depths of climate change and climate change education, let's first explore one of the most important questions:

In order to achieve the climate goals, climate change education is of great importance. Only those who understand climate change and the complex interrelationships and interactions can anticipate its far-reaching effects on the environment and people and actively direct their own actions towards a climate-friendly tomorrow.

The central role of learning processes and education in the context of efforts towards sustainable development is undeniable. Thus, as a teacher, you are ascribed a decisive role in the discourse of society as a whole. In order to fulfil this role well, knowledge around the topic of climate change is crucial.

With the 2030 Agenda, UN member states have committed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) – including SDG 13 "Climate Action" (Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts): 

Figure 1: Sustainable Development Goals (Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/news/communications-material/ 09.10.2022)

The implementation of this goal therefore starts at school, also because children, adolescents and young adults will be most affected by the consequences of climate change in the future. 

So if today's children, adolescents and young adults are not to be tomorrow's sufferers, they have the right to an education that equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to face the challenges of the climate crisis.

Learning Objectives

Once you have completed this learning unit you should:

have an initial insight into the multi-layered topics of "Climate Change" and "Climate Change Education", which in turn is indispensable as a basis for the successful initiation of further educational processes

reflect on the role and responsibility of the teacher in the overall transformation process

be aware of the necessity of Climate Change Education to combat Climate Change.

Schedule

In this learning unit, you will first address the question of the importance of Climate Change Education.

Then you will watch a video about Climate Change aspects and issues and test your knowledge about Climate Change with interactive exercises.

The next introductory video will give you an overview of the goals and competencies of Climate Change Education. Again, knowledge is tested with interactive exercises.

The subsequent discussion activity aims to reflect on the question: “What contribution can my subject make to Climate Change Education?”

Finally, you will compile your thoughts on "Climate Change Education in the context of my own subject or discipline/my own school" in the form of a padlet and give each other feedback.

The module concludes with an evaluation.

How to work through the learning unit

The module has a clear structure with alternating receptive and active phases, i.e. phases in which important content on Climate Change and Climate Change Education is presented alternate with phases in which you are encouraged to be active yourself.

Prerequisites

None

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