Introduction
Climate change is one of the most concerning issues of the 21st century, which has a visible impact on environment. Recently, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has recorded 2023 as the hottest year in last 174 years. In India, some major impacts are seen as melting glaciers, wildfires, changing rainfall patterns, and abnormally heated summers among others. Educating youths regarding the impacts of global warming promotes sustainable practices and can be a panacea to mitigate future climate challenges and align them with the ongoing international efforts to cope with them.
Integrating Climate Change in Curriculum
The “UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),” in the Paris Agreement emphasises the collective efforts to impart climate education and sustainability practices can help the youths to understand and address the influence of the climate crisis. It can be done by making changes at different levels-
Primary Level
• Focussing on concepts like environmental science, resource conservation, sustainable living
• Incorporating modules on renewable energy, waste management, and biodiversity conservation
Secondary Level
• In-depth education of climate science, global warming
• Exploring the socio-economic implications in subjects like geography and economics
Higher Education
• Offering specialized courses in environmental studies, promoting critical thinking
• Providing practical experiences through extra-curricular activites and community projects
• Encouraging them for environmental activism and advocacy
Conclusion
An integrated curriculum reform at different level of education can help to generate informed and pro-environment youths, who can understand and address the future challenges of climate change impacts. Moreover, they can promote ongoing international efforts to address climate issues by providing innovative and sustainable solutions.