Why it is time to discuss climate change in and out of school?
- Global impact: Climate change is a universal issue affecting every human being and all other living species across the planet. Its widespread influence necessitates a comprehensive understanding and a unified response, making it a critical topic for scientific, educational, and public discussion.
- High social risks: The delay in the fight
against climate change is leading to severe consequences, including natural disasters, resource shortages, and potentially the large-scale displacement or loss of human life. Understanding these risks underscores the urgency of proactive engagement and in-depth education on the topic.
- Urgency of action: The next few years will be crucial in mitigating the worst impacts of climate change. Immediate and informed action is essential to reduce risks and achieve long-term sustainability goals. Schools and youth’s direct involvement play a pivotal role in instilling this sense of urgency, in favour of future generations.
- Interdisciplinary nature: Climate change encompasses physical science, economics, history, social science, technologies, and environmental studies. Schools are uniquely positioned to address this complexity, analysing fake news and integrating various subjects to provide students with a holistic understanding of the issue.
- Influence of behaviour and information: Individual and collective behaviours significantly influence the progression of climate change. However, many people lack sufficient critical understanding of the issue. Disinformation and misinformation pose the greatest short-term risk while extreme weather phenomena and critical changes to Earth systems are the greatest long-term concerns. Educating students and raising community awareness are critical steps in fostering informed behaviours and effective responses.