Ei-iE

Markus Spiske / Unsplash
Markus Spiske / Unsplash

Climate action and literacy

The world is undeniably facing a climate emergency. As defenders of truth and science, teachers are mobilising for climate justice and literacy.

We are working to ensure climate change education is taught in schools across the world to equip students with the critical knowledge they need in their daily lives and to inform their choices as active citizens. We advocate for climate education to be integrated into curricula, initial teacher training and continuous professional development and for education to be recognised as a key tool in the fight against climate change.

Together with students, with the global trade union movement and civil society partners, we advocate for a just transition in order to secure workers’ rights and livelihoods as economies shift to sustainable production.

Our work in this area

  1. Worlds of Education 25 April 2019

    “Let’s spark a global discussion on copyright exceptions for education and research!”, by David Edwards

    David Edwards

    Today it’s World Intellectual Property Day – a good day to remind us that it’s time to reform copyright law. We need action to change copyright systems that are hindering free expression and failing to promote diverse and prosperous societies for the benefit of all.

    “Let’s spark a global discussion on copyright exceptions for education and research!”, by David Edwards
  2. News 11 April 2019

    It’s time for the IFIs to do some spring cleaning

    As the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund enter into this year’s Spring Meetings, Education International has released a statement that calls for these international financial institutions to evaluate the efficacy of their work and to take new approaches, ensuring that that their policy and lending aligns fully with...

    It’s time for the IFIs to do some spring cleaning
  3. News 15 March 2019

    Teachers stand up in support of their students

    The student #FridaysForFuture mobilisations against climate change are growing in intensity and reach - with one day to go before the global strike action for climate teachers are voicing their support for their students' courage and determination.

    Teachers stand up in support of their students
  4. Worlds of Education 14 March 2019

    “Success comes only to those countries that invest in education”, by Olli Luukkainen and David Edwards.

    Olli Luukkainen, David Edwards

    Humanity is faced with many threats including climate change and threats to the environment. A vision is needed for these problems to be solved. Changing lifestyles and consumption habits can contribute to solving these problems but at the heart of helping humanity to survive is education, training and research.

    “Success comes only to those countries that invest in education”, by Olli Luukkainen and David Edwards.
  5. Worlds of Education 11 March 2019

    "Let´s work together – Looking forward to ISTP 2019 in Finland", by Anders Rusk

    Anders Rusk

    We received good news in the beginning of autumn 2018 when we were told that Finland was appointed host country for the International Summit on the Teaching Profession 2019. This was something we in the Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö, OAJ, had lobbied, for before, without success. We are proud to contribute to...

    "Let´s work together – Looking forward to ISTP 2019 in Finland", by Anders Rusk
  6. Worlds of Education 28 February 2019

    "Students and Climate Change: A Lesson in Global Citizenship", by David Edwards

    David Edwards

    Student mobilisation on climate change is a strong call on democracy to deliver for the planet. It is a rejection of “climate deniers”, but also of “business as usual.” Its ultimate success will depend on expanding the mobilisation while graduating from protest to politics, including by linking lower carbon emissions...

    "Students and Climate Change: A Lesson in Global Citizenship", by David Edwards
  7. News 22 February 2019

    Teachers support students in their fight against climate change

    The student mobilisations against climate change are growing in intensity and reach - now teachers are voicing their support for their students' courage and determination.

    Teachers support students in their fight against climate change
  8. News 8 February 2019

    Belgium: Massive student rally on climate change

    Belgian teacher unions have declared their support for the young people who have been demonstrating in the streets of Belgium – and internationally – every Thursday for nearly a month to demand that decision-makers take urgent measures to tackle climate change.

    Belgium: Massive student rally on climate change
  9. News 20 December 2018

    COP24: an important but insufficient agreement

    Although it appreciates a useful action plan adopted by governments after the 24th United Nations Conference on Climate Change, Education International calls for further action, including climate change education in national school curricula.

    COP24: an important but insufficient agreement
  10. Worlds of Education 19 December 2018

    SDG4 & education for sustainable development: Why we should celebrate an apparent failure? By Antonia Wulff

    Antonia Wulff

    The expert group in charge of the SDG indicators rejected the proposed measurement strategy for target 4.7 on education for sustainable development, human rights and global citizenship. A dramatic turn in the SDGs serial but is it really as disastrous as it seems? And what does this mean in practice?

    SDG4 & education for sustainable development: Why we should celebrate an apparent failure? By Antonia Wulff
  11. News 13 December 2018

    The COP24 and climate change education: bold action is needed

    At the 24th United Nations Conference on Climate Change, Education International called for greater boldness in integrating the issue of climate change into national education policies at all levels.

    The COP24 and climate change education: bold action is needed
  12. News 13 December 2018

    Philippines: union leaders united around gender equality and improving campaign capacities

    The annual evaluation and planning meeting of the Philippines’s women’s network bringing together Education International’s affiliates in this country has taken stock of gender and diversity issues and reinforced the education unions’ capacities and advocacy skills.

    Philippines: union leaders united around gender equality and improving campaign capacities
  13. News 11 December 2018

    UN General Assembly proclaims 24 January International Day of Education

    Education International welcomes the United Nations General Assembly’s consensus adoption of a resolution proclaiming 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

    UN General Assembly proclaims 24 January International Day of Education
  14. Worlds of Education 31 October 2018

    “It is time to stop hate and bigotry and teachers should lead”, by Fernando M. Reimers

    Fernando M. Reimers

    I am heartbroken and concerned. I am heartbroken because last saturday, as members of the Tree of Life congregation in Pittsburgh celebrated the Sabbath, an armed man entered the Temple and shot on those there as he made anti-semitic statements, murdering eleven people who had come keep the holy day,...

    “It is time to stop hate and bigotry and teachers should lead”, by Fernando M. Reimers
  15. Worlds of Education 10 October 2018

    "What’s wrong with the World Bank’s Human Capital Index?", by David Edwards

    David Edwards

    The Human Capital Index is a measurement tool created by the World Bank to influence countries to invest more in health and education. With increased education financing a longstanding key demand of Education International and so crucial to achieve SDG4, one might wonder why I am sceptical about this index?...

    "What’s wrong with the World Bank’s Human Capital Index?", by David Edwards
  16. News 10 October 2018

    Global support for education access and quality at UNGA

    At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA, in September, Education International (EI) ensured that quality education and teachers’ voices were part of the conversation among the world leaders present.

    Global support for education access and quality at UNGA