Climate education is the process of shaping knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to climate protection and adaptation to climate change. It is essential to understand the causes and effects of global warming and to take responsible and effective actions for sustainable development. In this article, you will learn why climate education is important in the world of renewable energy (RE) and how to implement it in practice.
Why is climate education important?
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. According to the IPCC report of 2021, human activity is the main cause of the increase in global temperature, which has already exceeded 1°C compared to pre-industrial levels (1).
One of the key solutions that can help mitigate climate change is transitioning to renewable energy sources. RE refers to sources that do not deplete and do not pollute the environment, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, or biomass energy. RE has many advantages, including:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other air, water, and soil pollutants
- Saving natural resources such as oil, coal, or gas, which are limited and expensive
- Improving energy security through source diversification and reducing dependence on imports
- Creating jobs and local development in the RE sector
- Lowering energy costs in the long term due to the declining prices of RE technologies
However, to harness the potential of RE, climate education is needed, which will help:
- Raise awareness of the threats posed by climate change and the benefits of RE
- Foster pro-environmental and pro-social attitudes such as responsibility, solidarity, cooperation, or innovation
- Develop skills necessary for planning, implementing, and managing RE projects, such as analysis, critical thinking, communication, or creativity
- Inspire action for climate protection and the promotion of RE in various spheres of life, such as home, school, work, or community
How to implement climate education?
Climate education should be carried out at all levels and stages of education, from preschool to higher education, as well as within non-formal and lifelong learning. It should be based on current and reliable scientific knowledge, tailored to the needs and capabilities of the audience, and engaging and practical. Here are some examples of how climate education can be implemented in different contexts:
In preschool and primary school, introduce basic concepts and phenomena related to climate and RE, e.g., through weather observation, experiments, games, storytelling, songs, or drawings. Organize trips to places related to RE, such as wind farms, solar farms, or biogas plants. It is important to foster children’s curiosity and interest in the natural world and to develop attitudes of respect and care for the environment. - In lower and upper secondary school, deepen knowledge and understanding of the principles and mechanisms of climate change and RE, e.g., through lessons, presentations, discussions, films, articles, or quizzes. Also, develop skills related to RE, e.g., through workshops, projects, simulations, competitions, or research. It is important to encourage students to think critically and evaluate information, as well as to actively participate in actions for climate protection and the promotion of RE.
- At the higher education level, specialize in fields related to RE, e.g., by choosing a major, subject, thesis topic, or internship. Also, broaden horizons and exchange experiences with other students and experts from home and abroad, e.g., through conferences, webinars, networks, publications, or volunteering. It is important to develop professional and personal competencies and to build a network of contacts and cooperation in the RE sector.
- In non-formal and lifelong learning, update and supplement knowledge and skills related to RE, e.g., through courses, training, webinars, podcasts, blogs, or e-learning. Also, engage in actions for climate protection and the promotion of RE in various spheres of life, e.g., through changing habits, purchases, travel, or investments, participating in initiatives, campaigns, movements, or organizations, and educating and inspiring others. It is important to stay up to date with trends and challenges in the world of RE and to be a conscious and responsible citizen.
Summary
Climate education is important because it helps understand and solve the problem of climate change, as well as harness the potential of RE. Climate education should be carried out at all levels and stages of education, as well as within non-formal and lifelong learning.
Source: (1) Edukacja klimatyczna – szkolenia dla nauczycieli – Edukacja Ekologiczna – Portal Gov.pl (www.gov.pl)
