TEP Centre Hosts EDMEETS 2024: Exploring Education’s Role in Tackling Climate Change

In the midst of an escalating climate crisis, where extreme weather events and rising global temperatures threaten ecosystems and human livelihoods alike, education is emerging as a pivotal tool for creating a sustainable future. Education not only raises awareness about climate issues but also equips individuals with the skills and mindset to act, innovate, and adapt.

Recognizing this vital intersection, The Education Partnership (TEP) Centre convened stakeholders for the third instalment of its?EDMEETS?series on November 20, 2024, in Lagos. This year’s theme,?“Creating a Sustainable Future for Children on Earth: The Role of Education,”?brought together experts from diverse sectors to discuss how education can catalyze climate action.

Reframing Education for Climate Resilience

The imperative to integrate climate education into formal and informal learning systems has never been more urgent. According to a UNESCO report, less than half of countries worldwide have incorporated climate change into their education systems. In Africa, where climate impacts are disproportionately severe, this gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Beyond imparting knowledge, education must serve as a catalyst for behavioural change. By embedding environmental literacy into foundational curricula, young learners can be equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to mitigate and adapt to climate challenges. Moreover, green education can unlock opportunities in emerging sectors like renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, positioning students for success in a green economy.

Educational institutions must also foster collaboration with industries to ensure students are equipped for the realities of a transitioning global economy. Such partnerships can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, empowering students to lead innovative solutions to climate challenges.

Insights from EDMEETS 2024

Moderated by?Lovelyn Okoye, Sustainability Manager at Seven-Up Bottling Company, the event featured a distinguished panel of experts offering perspectives on the role of education in climate action:

• Henry Bassey, Founder/CEO of GreenHub Africa, highlighted the behavioural underpinnings of the climate crisis: “The solution to climate change is just behavioural change. The environment reacts to what we have done to it. The earth is going through a lot, and the shocks are a reflection of what man has done.” He emphasised the correlation between education levels and climate literacy, noting the gender and social disparities that hinder inclusive environmental education.
• Lande Abudu, Component Lead for Standalone Solar Home Systems under the Nigeria Electrification Project, spoke about the transformative power of green education: “Green Education creates awareness. It creates a passion and a hunger. If you don't know about the problems, you don't know what to solve for. It shows us the opportunities in the sector and how we can be positioned for that globally.” Abudu stressed the importance of grassroots initiatives to ensure climate awareness permeates all levels of society.
• Simi Alabi-Orgu, Founder of Recyclub, called for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and green industries: “Educational institutions must partner with green industries to enhance skill development for students. For a growing green economy like ours, collaboration can help us create skills in various green fields such as renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable education.”
• Lovelyn Okoye contextualized Nigeria’s unique position: “We may not have been a big contributor to climate change, but we're definitely on the receiving end. That is why this is a critical discussion... not just about our environment but also about how we can reduce its impact.”

EDMEETS as a Catalyst for Change

The?EDMEETS?series, which has previously explored foundational learning and the intersection of education and technology, exemplifies TEP Centre’s innovative approach to fostering cross-sectoral dialogue on education. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and educators, the platform inspires actionable solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As climate challenges intensify, initiatives like?EDMEETS?underscore the need for a unified response that places education at the heart of the solution. Byprioritizingg green education and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, TEP Centre is paving the way for a generation of informed, climate-conscious citizens ready to lead Africa toward a sustainable future.

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