Choosing our Future: Education for Climate Action
World Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)World Bank Group
Test
Test
Test
Test
Test
What is it?
Education systems can empower, equip, and skill young people for climate mitigation and adaptation. At the same time, climate change induced heat and extreme weather events are significantly disrupting learning, and low-income countries are disproportionately affected. Governments must act now to adapt education systems for climate change.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The economic and human costs of climate change are immense, yet climate action remains slow due to gaps in information, skills, and knowledge. Education is essential for bridging these gaps and driving climate action globally. In fact, education is the strongest predictor of climate-friendly behavior, with an additional year of schooling increasing climate awareness by 8.6%.
- Educated individuals are more resilient and play a crucial role in fostering innovation and climate solutions. Education can equip young people with green skills for emerging jobs and enhance existing skill sets. However, it is often overlooked in climate financing, even as climate change threatens education outcomes.
- Climate-related school closures and rising temperatures are reducing learning opportunities for students. Governments can address this by improving foundational and STEM skills, integrating climate education, and strengthening teacher training. Prioritizing green skilling and innovation in tertiary education can also accelerate the shift toward sustainable practices.