The brief
Take Action Global and EARTHDAY.ORG set out to understand best practice in teaching sustainability to children.
The aim for this project was supporting educators and other stakeholders in young people’s futures, continuing to mobilise and promote education’s vital role as a climate change solution – working with and for young people towards a sustainable future.
This project was developed as a partnership between teams at Shift Sustainability, Take Action Global and EARTHDAY.ORG.
The approach
We conducted a 30-question quantitative survey targeted at educators worldwide, including class teachers and department heads, principals and librarians, and those working in educator roles in wider organisations – such as nature centres or government departments.
Key research questions included:
- What are educators doing around the world, and across all levels to teach climate action education?
- What works well for organisations and what doesn’t?
- What examples are there of best practice approaches?
- By what criteria is success measured?
- What are the challenges or barriers to teaching about climate?
- How have challenges been overcome?
The value
The survey findings were used to share best practice approaches with educators globally. We were able to reach people of all ages worldwide and, as a result of this research, developed a white paper to highlight the main approaches to the wider public.
Two key takeaways involved:
- Learning from experienced practitioners – Participants felt that climate action education was effective when they, for example, sought out initiatives and professional training opportunities to boost their skills and knowledge.
- Motivating and supporting climate educators – Educators wanted more support in many areas, including increased funding ring-fenced for climate action education.
