Antalya:The upcoming UN climate conference, COP31, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Trkiye, in November, is set to prioritize quality climate education as a key component of its agenda. Experts emphasize that such education is potentially the most transformative action for climate adaptation.
According to Anadolu Agency, Eric Guilyardi, a prominent climate scientist and president of the Office for Climate Education (OCE), discussed the critical role of education in climate action. He highlighted that climate education goes beyond scientific knowledge, aiming to equip young people with the necessary tools to envision and create a sustainable future.
Guilyardi pointed out the interdisciplinary nature of climate education, which encompasses subjects from science to humanities. He stressed that the integration of climate education into existing curricula is essential, as it can often be overlooked depending on how education systems are structured.
Teachers are central to this educational effort, and Guilyardi advocated for equipping them with both scientific knowledge and effective teaching methodologies. He noted that between 30 and 80 hours of training are needed to effectively change teachers' practices, as brief conferences are insufficient to achieve this transformation.
COP31 will feature a dedicated day for climate education, marking a significant commitment to this issue. The OCE will collaborate with Turkish authorities to organize this event, aiming to move climate education beyond mere awareness and help teachers address anxiety-inducing narratives.
The integration of education into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the Paris Agreement represents a pivotal advancement for global climate policy. This inclusion offers countries an opportunity to enhance climate education, a change that OCE plans to support through several events at COP31.
Despite progress, Guilyardi noted that only a small percentage of young people currently receive quality climate education, with estimates ranging from 3% to 7% in various countries. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the rapid incorporation of climate topics into national curricula, a trend not seen five years ago, and emphasized the need to bridge the gap between climate and education sectors to address contemporary challenges effectively.