LocationsTeaching Educators on Climate Knowledge
August 27, 2024
Climate change is accelerating faster than we can fully comprehend.
The climate crisis is no longer just a news headline about record temperatures and extreme weather events. It is a reality we are all living with, and the effects of global warming are becoming increasingly evident.
Scientists warn that 2024 could be the hottest year on record. Unfortunately, climate change is advancing faster than our understanding, leading to delayed or ineffective responses to the challenges it creates.
UNESCO data from 100 countries shows that only 53% of the world’s national education curricula make any reference to climate change and when the subject is mentioned, it is almost always given very low priority.
Understanding climate processes is essential for adapting to their impacts and mitigating their negative effects on people and the environment. It's crucial that educators, who shape young minds, possess this knowledge.
Teaching educators about climate change is key to raising eco-conscious generations.
When teachers understand the complexities of climate change, they can pass that knowledge on to their students, equipping them to address global and local environmental challenges. However, teachers need to continually update their skills, especially in such a fast-changing area as climate science. Many educators are eager to discuss climate change with their students but often lack the necessary knowledge and resources.
The UNDP's "Climate Box" initiative is an effective tool for bridging this gap, making climate education accessible in every school in Belarus. The Climate Box includes theoretical content and interactive tasks like games, quizzes, and experiments.
With these resources, teachers can weave climate-related topics into various subjects, making lessons both informative and engaging. This approach helps students develop a well-rounded understanding of climate change and its effects on human life and nature.
Belarus has already seen success in using Climate Box for training educators.
In mid-August, teachers from the Hrodna region gathered in the town of Mosty for a UNDP-organized “Climate Box” workshop. Thirty-three educators participated in the event, where they explored the Climate Box materials and discussed how to integrate climate education into school curricula.
Educators from the Hrodna region participate in a Climate Box workshop in the town of Mosty.
Tatyana Grinch, the Director of the Grodno State Ecological and Biological Center for Children and Youth, believes the Climate Box set is an invaluable tool for preparing thematic lessons and promoting environmental awareness. "The materials in the Climate Box will play a crucial role in advancing the 'green schools' initiative, which fosters sustainable thinking among children and teens," she said.
The materials cover 374 topics across nine disciplines, each accompanied by teaching guidelines, making it easier for teachers to incorporate climate knowledge into their lessons in a relevant and engaging way.
In the face of a rapidly accelerating climate crisis, equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to teach the complexities of climate science is more important than ever. The UNDP's Climate Box initiative is vital in bridging the educational gap, helping teachers integrate environmental topics into their lessons. By empowering educators, we cultivate eco-conscious generations capable of tackling the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.
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