Climate change remains an urgent global concern that calls for engagement from individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Schools and universities serve as crucial hubs for climate education, but numerous opportunities exist for delving deeper into this critical topic beyond standard academic curricula. Studies have shown that only 53% of national curriculum frameworks in 100 countries mention climate change, even within formal curricula. This article will explore these opportunities outside the curriculum, catering to specific groups: school students, university and graduate-level students, professionals, and senior citizens. These opportunities can significantly contribute to a more informed and engaged society, including in the context of India. Additionally, for those interested in pursuing higher education in sustainability, we have compiled a list of 8 master's degree programs to deepen your knowledge and expertise further.
Opportunities for School Students
Exploring climate change extends far beyond textbooks and classroom lectures for school students. Take, for instance, the Green Schools Program initiated by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in India. With CSE calling it a "Knowledge-based activism", this program encourages school children to participate in various competitions and perform street plays for climate change awareness. It empowers young learners to actively participate in mitigating environmental challenges within their local communities. EarthEcho is an international platform that provides interactive sessions and resources for students to learn. Similarly, environmental clubs and activities can be found in schools worldwide, providing school-going children a chance to participate in hands-on projects.
Moreover, youth-led climate movements like "Fridays for Future", started by Greta Thunberg, have inspired school children worldwide. These movements inspire young students to learn and know about climate change and to become climate advocates. Greta Thunberg's activism has inspired young people.
Opportunities for University and Graduate Level Students
University and graduate-level students in India have numerous avenues to dive deeper into climate studies. Harvard Extension School offers an online certificate program in 'Environmental Policy and International Development. Multiple other institutes, like The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) in India, provide certificate programs, such as in Air Quality monitoring and Solid waste management. Also, Internships and fellowships in climate-related organisations provide hands-on experience and opportunities. The Climate Reality Project, founded by Al Gore, offers internships. With the mission of "everyday people leading the fight on climate change", the platform provides ample learning experience for university students. Alongside these educational opportunities, you can explore other avenues for meaningful engagement offline.
Furthermore, online courses from platforms such as Coursera and edX etc and webinars offer accessible content to learn about climate change. Organisations like TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) of India conduct webinars and offer courses on various aspects of climate change. Lastly, attending conferences like the "International Conference on Climate Change", which occurs in both physical and virtual mode, and the 8th session will be conducted in February 2024, provides students with platforms to interact with climate experts.
Opportunities for Professionals
Climate education and engagement are not limited to student life; they also continue throughout one's professional life. Working professionals can pursue ongoing education in climate-related fields, such as the online courses offered by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in India. These programs ensure that professionals remain updated with the latest climate resilience and adaptation knowledge and skills. Platforms such as Terra.do provide professionals with flagship courses to learn about the climate landscape from the start and then build a career in climate action.
Becoming a member and taking action by joining organisations like the Environmental Defence Fund or Jane Goodall Institute could allow professionals to collaborate on climate initiatives, leveraging their expertise to drive meaningful change. Moreover, joining organisations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Green Building Council allows professionals to collaborate on climate initiatives specific to India. Lastly, many corporations have dedicated sustainability programs that allow employees to actively participate in projects to reduce carbon footprints.
Opportunities for Senior Citizens
Senior citizens can actively participate in climate education and action even in retirement. Many seniors find purpose and fulfilment in community engagement, participating in climate-related initiatives such as tree planting or advocating for climate policies at the local level. The Elder Climate Action group is a prime example, uniting older adults to raise their voices to support climate action. It unites older adults to support climate action and promote intergenerational understanding. India's tradition of community-led environmental conservation, as seen in the Chipko Movement, showcases how senior citizens have actively contributed to environmental causes.
Additionally, senior citizens can take practical steps to make a difference in their communities and stay informed about climate issues. They can initiate and participate in local campaigns aimed at making their neighbourhoods more environmentally friendly with platforms such as Jhatkaa.org. Staying up-to-date with climate news from reputable platforms and being aware of local issues through newspapers can provide them with valuable insights. Moreover, attending webinars, offline events, and workshops on climate-related topics can keep them informed and engaged.
Lifelong learning programs offered by universities, like the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, allow seniors to explore climate topics through courses and seminars tailored to their interests. These programs provide opportunities for intellectual growth and engagement with contemporary climate issues. Lastly, senior citizens can be mentors and advocates, sharing their wisdom and life experiences with younger generations involved in climate activism. Their guidance and insights can be invaluable in nurturing the next wave of climate leaders and fostering intergenerational understanding and collaboration.
Green Schools Programme
Friday For Future
References
About CSE – Green Schools Programme. (n.d.). https://www.greenschoolsprogramme.org/about-cse/
Bowden, P. (2023, August 11). Exploring the Science: 7 Best Climate Change Courses for 2023
Class Central. The Report by Class Central
Climate Reality Leadership Corps. (n.d.). The Climate Reality Project. https://www.climaterealityproject.org/training
CSE’s Green Schools Programme honours over 100 environmentally conscious institutions. (n.d.).
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/video/renewable-energy/cse-s-green-schools-programme-honours-over-100-environmentally-conscious-institutions 87845#:~:text=The%20Green%20Schools%20Programme%20or,environmentally%20conscious%20schools%20in%202006.
EarthEcho International. (n.d.). https://www.earthecho.org/
Harvard Extension School. (2023, September 1). Environmental Policy and International Development Graduate Certificate | Harvard Extension School. https://extension.harvard.edu/academics/programs/environmental-policy-and-international-development-certificate/
Metrics, N. (2023). Terra.do. Terra.do. https://terra.do/
Pillemer, K., Cope, M. T., & Nolte, J. (2021). Older people and action on climate change: A powerful but underutilised resource. V: HelpAge International.
Sjöblom, P., Wolff, L., Vuorenpää, S., & Grahn, R. (2022). Primary school students and climate change–an interview study in Finland and Tanzania. Journal of Cleaner Production, 380, 135099. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135099
The Bernard Osher Foundation | Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes. (n.d.). https://www.osherfoundation.org/olli.html
The International Institute of Knowledge Management. (2023, October 3). The 8th International Conference on Climate Change 2024. The 8th International Conference on Climate Change 2024. https://climatechangeconferences.com/
UNESCO. (2021). Getting Every School Climate-Ready: How Countries Are Integrating Climate Change Issues in Education.
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