UNESCO launches new initiatives for “greening education” in classrooms

A UNESCO analysis of 100 national curriculum frameworks in 2021 revealed that nearly half (47%) do not mention climate disruption. Only 23% of teachers felt able to properly address climate action in their classrooms and 70% of  young people surveyed could not explain climate disruption, and expressed concerns about the way in which it is currently taught. 

Following this analysis, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, made environmental education a priority in terms of the support which the Organization provides to its Member States. UNESCO has been leading the Greening Education Partnership, that more than 80 Member States have now joined and enables collaboration between more than 1,300 organizations, including UN agencies, civil society and youth organizations, as well as the private sector. This community provides countries with essential tools for strengthening the role of education in tackling climate disruption.

Not enough focus on action-oriented learning 

If significant progress has been made over the past three years by UNESCO Member States to integrate environmental topics across curricula, a new report co-published today by the Organization cautions that formal education has focused too much on imparting knowledge about environmental issues, rather than driving action, and is failing to show learners the role they can play in tackling the climate crisis. The report argues that sustainable development education must also focus on first-hand experiences which are more likely to lead to change. 

To this end, today UNESCO is promoting two concrete tools for its Member States and educational communities around the world:

1. UNESCO’s new Greening Curriculum Guidance is a practical manual providing, for the first time, a common understanding of what climate education should consist of and how countries can mainstream environmental topics across curricula, with detailed expected learning outcomes according to age group (from 5-year-olds to 18+). It focuses on the importance of promoting active learning and designing a range of hands-on activities. 
2. UNESCO’s new Green School Quality Standard, developed in partnership with other UN agencies, civil society and countries, sets the minimum requirements on how to create a “green school”by promoting an action-oriented approach. It recommends that all schools set up green governance committees including students, teachers and parents to oversee sustainable management. It also calls to encourage teacher training, conduct audits of energy, water, food and waste audits, while alsocalling for stronger ties with the wider community to help students address environmental issues at local level. 

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945. 

More information: www.unesco.org