Climate Change Education: an imperative for survival
Introduction:
The Climate Change Education course responds to the claim for mitigation of the climate change and the adaptation to it. It is an effort to transform the school into a learning organization, focusing on climate chang, through the implementation four pilar- indicators approach. This effort is directed towards the sustainability of the school as social structure and as a learning organization.
Description
This course is designed to be interdisciplinary, incorporating elements of science, social science, ethics, and policy to provide teachers with a holistic understanding of the complexities of climate change and the urgent need for collective action. The content of the course will cover a broad range of topics, incorporating scientific, social, economic, and policy perspectives. The course contains:
Introduction to Climate Change:
- Definition and basic concepts
- Historical context of climate change
- Overview of key terms (e.g., greenhouse gases, global warming)
- Evidence of climate change (temperature records, ice melt, sea-level rise)
Causes of Climate Change:
- Anthropogenic factors (human activities)
- Natural factors (solar radiation, volcanic activity)
Impacts of Climate Change:
- Environmental consequences (e.g., biodiversity loss, extreme weather events)
- Social and economic impacts (e.g., food security, water scarcity)
Mitigation Strategies:
- Renewable energy sources
- Energy efficiency
- Carbon capture and storage
Adaptation Strategies:
- Building resilience in communities
- Infrastructure planning for climate resilience
- Ecosystem-based adaptation
International Agreements and Policies:
Social and Ethical Dimensions:
- Global responsibility and intergenerational equity
- Climate refugees and migration
Education for Sustainable Development:
- Integrating climate change education into school curricula
Interactive Learning:
- Workshops, simulations, and group projects to engage students actively
- Field trips and practical experiences
Assessment and Evaluation:
- Methods for assessing the understanding of climate change concepts
- Evaluation of individual and group projects
Future Challenges and Opportunities:
- Innovations and technological advancements
Reflection and Action:
- Encouraging personal and collective responsibility
- Empowering individuals to take action in their communities
Learning Objectives
The course aims to achieve several learning objectives to ensure that teachers gain a comprehensive understanding of climate change and its implications. The specific objectives include:
Understanding the Science of Climate Change:
Explain the basic principles of climate science (greenhouse effect, carbon cycle, global warming e.tc.)
Climate Change Impacts:
Identify and describe the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, weather and human societies
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies:
Strategies for mitigating climate change, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy savings and sustainable land use.
Adaptation measures to cope with the impacts of climate change, such as infrastructure improvements and policy initiatives.
Global Climate Governance:
Examine international efforts and agreements related to climate change, such as the Paris Agreement.
Ethical and Social Considerations:
Discuss the ethical dimensions of climate change, including issues of environmental justice, equity, and intergenerational responsibility.
Analyze the social and cultural aspects of climate change, including its impact on vulnerable populations.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
Foster critical thinking skills to evaluate climate-related information, claims, and policies.
Encourage problem-solving approaches to address real-world challenges associated with climate change.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives:
Integrate knowledge from various disciplines, such as science, economics, sociology, and policy studies, to develop a holistic understanding of climate change.
Research Skills:
Acquire basic research skills to critically evaluate scientific literature and data related to climate change.
Conduct independent research on specific aspects of climate change.
Personal and Civic Responsibility:
Foster a sense of personal and civic responsibility in addressing climate change.
Encourage active participation in sustainable practices and advocacy for climate action.
Methodology and Assessment
The climate change education course will involve an array of different methodological and training approaches, like the following.
1. Introduction to Climate Change: Key terms and concepts,
2. Multidisciplinary Approach: science, economics, sociology, and policy.
3. Case Studies: Real-world case studies to illustrate the impacts of climate change-successful mitigation and adaptation strategies.
4. Interactive Activities: simulations, role plays, and debates, virtual labs and interactive exercises.
5. Field Trips: A field trip to areas affected by climate change. Hands-on learning.
6. Group Projects: Collaboration and diverse perspectives.
7. Current Events Analysis: From theoretical knowledge to real-world issues.
8. Technology Integration: Online platforms, interactive tools, and data visualization climate-related apps
Assessment Strategy:
1. Group Project Evaluation: Group projects based on content, creativity, and presentation.
2. Class Participation: Active participation in discussions, debates, and activities.
3. Reflections and Journals: Depth of understanding and personal engagement.
4. Practical Skills Assessment: related to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
By combining a variety of teaching methods and assessments, learners can gain a holistic understanding of climate change while developing critical skills for addressing this global challenge.
Course program
| Day | Activities |
| Monday | Welcome-Registration-Ice breaking activities-Outline of the course program. Program objectives-Participants’ presentations-Expectations and objectives-Practical information about the course. Short presentation of contemporary Greece |
| Tuesday | -Lecture and videos about the advent of the climate change and its impacts on humans and on the environment. -Education for Sustainable Development, Environmental Education and Climate Change Education -Objectives, driving values and nature of Climate Change Education -Climate Change Education inside and outside of the classroom Contributions from the participants |
| Wednesday | Study visit to a Secondary School working on Climate Change (Alternatively Visit to Stavros Niarchos Foundation-Mediterranean Garden) |
| Thursday | UNESCO and Climate Change Education The Guide for schools working on Climate Change and its impacts Recommendations for action and implementation at school |
| Friday | Classroom activities for the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies and their reflection in the classroom. Experiments proving the greenhouse effect. Certificates ceremony Farewell |
Cost and services
350 Euros. Includes only tuition fee
Contact:
Dimitrios Kalaitzidis
Sessions
- 2024-5-6 to 2024-5-10
- 2024-10-7 to 2024-10-11
- 2025-3-24 to 2025-3-28
Registration
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfksCQ_0QvW2BimFu3Q3WaYDOdHn30rMNihA8tUTMJEKSSUxA/viewform
