Why Climate Education is More Important Than Ever

In March 2025, I had the opportunity to lead a Virtual Coffee Break at Alumniportal Deutschland, with the theme "Why Climate Education is more important than ever." The meeting brought together former fellows who had spent time in Germany, researchers, and professionals from various fields to reflect on the role of Climate Education in a rapidly changing world.

Climate change is not just a scientific phenomenon, but a complex socio-environmental challenge that directly affects people's lives, intensifying social injustices, inequalities, and emotional impacts. Therefore, Climate Education should not be limited to the transmission of technical concepts: it must prepare children, young people, and communities to understand environmental and social risks, strengthen their resilience in the face of crises, and engage in concrete actions for climate justice.

Despite important advances, such as the recognition of Climate Education in Article 12 of the Paris Agreement and the inclusion of the topic in national commitments of more than 40 countries, there remains a large gap between policy and practice (Earth Day). In reality, teachers have adequate training, and when they do, it is often limited to specific subjects, such as science or geography. Many educators feel overwhelmed and insecure about addressing topics such as climate justice, emotions, or practical solutions (Beach, 2023; Ennes et al., 2021). At the same time, we see young people around the world taking to the streets in historic climate strikes, demanding action, while schools still offer a superficial and untransformative approach.

At the meeting, I emphasized the need to integrate Climate Education into all teacher training programs and offer ongoing training for teachers already in the classroom. It's equally important to create support networks that foster the exchange of experiences and recognize educators as protagonists of education for climate justice. I also advocated for schools to be seen not only as places of learning, but also as spaces of protection and resilience. In many countries, they already shelter families during climate disasters, demonstrating that school infrastructure can teach as much as curricula.

I also shared the results of my master's research, when I interviewed children from different regions of Brazil about their knowledge of climate change. Many said that in the classroom, the topic is associated with distant images, such as polar bears, with no connection to their local realities. Others confused basic climate concepts, such as the origin of carbon dioxide and the names of extreme weather events. But what struck me most was their expressed desire: to learn in a practical way, connected to their daily lives, and feeling part of the solution. This experience reinforced the need to overcome superficial teaching and promote critical, contextualized, and emancipatory learning.

We conclude that Climate Education is much more than a school subject: it is a strategy for social transformation. To fulfill this role, it must be rooted in local realities, encourage critical thinking, and pave the way for children, youth, and educators to become protagonists of change. I advocate for an education that is interdisciplinary, connected to communities, and focused on climate justice and collective action.

Also read Why Climate Education is more important than ever – Alumniportal Deutschland