By- Shilpa Gandhi Principal Jasudben ML School and Bloomingdales Pre-Primary, Mumbai
The climate crisis is now not a distant reality. However, despite growing global awareness, climate change education remains a missing piece in the puzzle. UNESCO’s report across 76 countries reveals an alarming gap: while sustainability and environmental topics account for 50% of curricula in grades 3, 6, and 9, climate change gets a dismal 21% share, and biodiversity fares even worse at just 12%. What’s more troubling? In comparison to science curricula, social sciences rarely cover these topics, giving young minds less exposure. We often ignore the power of school education and young minds for a greener future. This has led to changemakers of tomorrow and education being lower in the priority levels in the global climate agenda—something we can no longer afford.
The Rise of Youth Climate Activism
Youth Climate Activism is not a high-profile figure task but has reached a grassroot movement where diverse people come together. In recent years, young leaders have emerged, inspiring millions with their activism. To pacify that social media platforms have become vital tools for spreading awareness, organizing campaigns, and building communities, proving that age is no barrier to creating impactful change. Schools can play a major role in this.
1. Cultivating a Connection with Nature
Experiencing nature firsthand is one of the most powerful ways to nurture a sense of responsibility for the environment.
● Lessons on biodiversity, climate science, and sustainable practices equip students with the knowledge to make informed decisions and take meaningful actions to protect the planet.
● Documentaries on wildlife and nature can help teach students about the importance of natural resources.
● Outdoor activities and Nature camps can help young people develop a love for the natural world.
● Activities such as wildlife observations, guided hikes, wildlife observations, and introduction to the ecosystem deepen their understanding of ecological systems which can ignite passion and curiosity for preservation.
● The use of interactive and gamified approaches can make learning about ecology fun and engaging.
2. Engaging Through Volunteer Activities
The act of giving back is transformative.
● Volunteer initiatives like beach cleanups, tree planting drives, waste segregation, and rewarding students who participate in environmental projects.
● Community conservation projects offer young people hands-on experiences that instill a sense of environmental responsibility. These activities can teach them teamwork, resilience, and the importance of individual contributions to collective goals.
● To reduce the carbon footprint, students can be taught about thrifting and its benefits.
A Collective Responsibility
As per the UN’s latest report, in this century, there is a two-thirds likelihood of global warming of 3 °C. While the effects of climate change are felt universally, their impacts are unevenly distributed across different regions. The solution lies in equipping young minds with knowledge and actively contributing to climate solutions. This will give the ability to integrate climate change into mainstream instruction and equip the next generation to address the defining issue of our time. Empowering young climate activists is not just about ensuring a sustainable future; it is also a collective responsibility. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet, one action at a time. The future of the Earth is in their hands—and ours.