The Role of the G20 Countries in Embedding Climate Literacy in Education: From Knowing to Doing

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Published: Jun 30, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/hapscpbs.38975
Keywords:
Climate Literacy G20 Authentic Learning Green Skills SDG Goals
Roma Puri
Associate Professor, International Management Institute, Kolkata, India.
Arpita Ghosh
Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, India.
Sumita Ketkar
Director of Learning, Teaching and Quality, Westminster Business School, University of Westminster, London, UK.
Abstract

Embedding climate literacy in education is a critical enabler in empowering the next generation of learners to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An integrated approach across formal education curricula can drive behavioural change in individuals and accelerate the transition towards sustainable consumption. Initiatives such as the 'Greening Educational Partnership' by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), bring together key stakeholders across the globe to tackle the challenge of climate change. Nevertheless, considerable variation exists between nations in providing and accessing high-quality education that equips individuals with the relevant knowledge and skills to contribute. If SDG targets are to be met by 2030, educators and learners across the world must be prepared to work towards a sustainable future. Actions taken by the influential Group of Twenty Countries (G20), which contributes about two-thirds of the world population, can be a game changer in this direction. This policy brief focuses on the G20 and offers recommendations including developing 'sustainable' behaviours, teaching skills to support 'green' jobs of the future and offering authentic learning experiences through an integrated approach towards sustainable education across all levels of study.

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