Climate education advances in schools, but there are still gaps in the curriculum
The presence of the climate emergency in school curricula is still advancing at different paces around the world.
Data from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) shows that 47% of national curricula from 100 countries do not mention the topic, while 20% of teachers say they do not feel prepared to guide students.
How climate change impacts the classroom
In Brazil, this scenario has driven initiatives aimed at expanding climate education, such as Reconectta, which, through the "Schools for the Climate" movement, has already mobilized more than 1 million students and 100,000 educators in 480 municipalities, focusing on practical engagement actions.
For Livia Ribeiro, founding partner of Reconectta, the presence of the topic in formal education is in the process of consolidation. "It is important to remember that, although science has been studying global warming for a long time, the climate emergency as an issue present in society as a whole in the public debate, in a more latent way, is a relatively recent phenomenon, perhaps between 5 and 10 years old", he states. According to her, the incorporation of the subject involves cultural and structural changes. "The topic is still often treated as optional, as something that fits in a thematic week, in a science fair project, and not as part of the permanent curriculum", he comments.
The preparation of educators is one of the central points in this process. Livia highlights that the challenge is related to the need to expand training and ongoing support. "This lack of preparation reflects a great need for greater training, support and continuity of this work for all teachers", he says.
The effects of climate change are already part of the reality of many students. A Unicef report points out that, in 2024 alone, more than a million Brazilian children and young people would have their studies interrupted by extreme events. In this context, understanding the topic gains relevance. "This absence of this topic in the curricula makes it difficult for them to understand the topic, for them to really understand what is happening, why it is happening and especially how they can get involved in the solutions", he explains.
Focus on practice
With a focus on practice, the "Schools for the Climate" movement proposes that each institution develop at least one action throughout the year. "Practice is the heart of the movement," says Livia. The initiative offers training, support materials and recognition to schools, in addition to encouraging the exchange of experiences between different regions.
The proposal also considers the particularities of each territory. "There is no ready-made recipe for this practice to happen in schools", he highlights. "We provide paths, inspiration and a series of support so that these actions can take place in a very contextualized way in each territory." In 2025, around 700 actions were carried out in the country.
The diversity of contexts, especially in the public network, which represents 70% of participating institutions, demands flexible solutions. "The secret is to transform sustainability into an institutional strategy, and not just a passing project, ensuring that this learning is continued", he states.
In addition to schools, the initiative also dialogues with the corporate sector, connecting social responsibility programs to an already engaged network. "When we act in an integrated manner with these different actors in society, we achieve not only long-term commitments, but systemic and permanent results", says Livia.
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Source: CNN