In July 2019, Seth Wynes released the results of his study on Canada’s climate change education. His study will upgrade Canadian curricula on the developments and the changes in various aspects of climate education.
Seth is a researcher at the University of British Columbia specializing in climate change.
The teachers teaching the subject have been left frustrated as they understand what they are teaching students is quite outdated. The students are also unsatisfied and expect changes to be made.
Climate change should be taught to every student
Climate change is the most trending topic in today’s world and students in school want to learn about it, the latest facts, trivia, and information. Grade 11 students, who are taking part in the strikes for climate action reveal that they feel left behind with the information they are fed through the books.
Calgary has been ranked last with regards to providing updated information in its curriculum. On the other hand, Ontario and Saskatchewan have however provided the best curriculum to their kids as far as climate change education is concerned.
Alberta’s education department has confirmed that they have set up an independent team which is looking into their curriculum and the final conclusions are expected by December. But making amends in the curriculum requires time and it would be some months before we see any changes in the curriculum.
Joyce Achtnig, a psychologist, believes that climate change education must have a scientific and fact-based approach, rather than imposing opinions on them. Let the students understand themselves and give them the liberty on how they want to contribute to the world. Although it is necessary to be open and honest, attention must be given that students don’t get demotivated or demoralized somehow.
According to Wynes, students at the age of 15 should have a decent understanding of climate change, about its consequences. These children will further take the right step forward representing the country.
