Resources

This report is a result of the UNESCO International Seminar on Climate Change Education at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, 27-29 July, 2009. Over the past 30 years, UNESCO has actively contributed to building the global knowledge base on climate change. Primarily through its contribution to climate science (global ocean observation systems, assessment and monitoring) and secondarily by promoting education, capacity development, public awareness and access to information. As Task Manager of Chapter 36 of Agenda 21 – which relates to the promotion of education, public awareness and training – and lead agency for the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD, 2005-2014), the Organization plays a lead role in promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Climate change is one of the key action themes of the Decade, as was reaffirmed at the World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development held in Bonn in April 2009. Education has a central role to play in understanding, mitigating and adapting to the changing climate. While education at all levels and in both formal and informal settings is needed, instilling climate change awareness and understanding at a young age is ultimately the best way to change behaviours and attitudes. What children learn today will shape tomorrow’s world. Through the New Delhi work programme – which is a flexible programme for country-driven action engaging all stakeholders on education, training and public awareness on climate change, UNESCO supports its Member States to implement Article 6 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Similarly, the UNESCO Enhanced Plan of Action for the Strategy for Action on Climate Change recognizes the importance of and outlines action for education in promoting mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.