According to Iain Patton, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), schools and higher education institutions should make climate crisis a fundamental part of their curriculums.
Mr. Patton added that it is essential for universities to become proactive and organize courses and campaigns regarding climate and environment problems; not only survey aftermaths of climate change but to forge ahead and mitigate future risks.
This is actually long overdue as a recent report by the United Nations warns that the Earth will soon reach its peak point by an additional one degree and a half (1.5oC).
The saddening news that the Amazon rainforest is burning has been circulating media for several days now. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg of the climate crisis the Earth is currently facing.
While there are inspiring examples of environmental activism among young adults, the educational system is evidently not doing enough to prepare children for this aspect of life.
The UN report also detailed that there is an urgent need for policy changes, and recognition of the global environmental crisis.
Climate crisis and education solutions
For the moment, no country in the world has adopted a mandatory curriculum on environmental education. Goldsmiths University of London is doing its part in minimizing carbon gases emission through its many advocacies like eradicating plastic usage, beef ban and using alternative sources of energy.
Primary and secondary students of state schools in Northern England will soon have their “climate change teacher” through the auspices of the United Nations.
Another big gap when it comes to reacting to climate change is the lack of initiative from the education-technology (EdTech) sector. EdTech is a rapidly developing industry, and it has the potential to reach millions of children and young adults currently in education.
There should be an increased response from educational facilities and the industry as a whole, to boost awareness of the current climate crisis the world is facing.
Sooner than soon, everyone hopes.
