Glasgow, Nov 5 (IANS): India on Friday released a digital publication titled, "Climate Literacy: Beyond the Written Word" that includes contributions from 20 academic institutions that have defined effective methodologies to generate concern for the planet amongst their students.
These approaches also help build awareness of how anthropogenic activity has harmed the planet, in particular, by increasing the carbon footprint and pollution, reducing green cover, and mismanaging waste. All the innovative methods described in this ebook are replicable.
EARTHDAY.ORG firmly believes that the key to earth's future lies in climate and environmental education opportunities for youths of all ages and backgrounds to develop them into informed and engaged environmental stewards.
Considering the grim conclusions presented by the 2021 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which prompted the U.N. Secretary General to announce a 'Code Red for Humanity,' EARTHDAY.ORG appeals to every country around the world to put in place educational systems that lead youths to climate stewardship and action for the environment.
This necessitates making climate education compulsory for all grade levels and providing an environment to empower climate literacy.
Such initiatives will also enhance the skills needed for jobs in the rapidly expanding green economy, including those related to conserving the natural wealth; reducing air, water, and land pollution; managing waste; and shifting to renewable energy sources.
In the ebook, readers will learn about how students in urban spaces weave and hang nests around the city to encourage house sparrows to come back to the crowded spaces they abandoned.
The publication features an entry on the 'Mr Cool App' which was developed by students in the tribal state of Chhattisgarh to help people measure their carbon footprints emanating from reckless energy use and educate on ways to reduce it.
Another piece focuses on a school in the northeastern hills of Assam where the fees are paid in plastic waste that the pupils collect and deposit. From composting, to nature discoveries, to the use of theatre and films to awaken stewardship, "Climate Literacy: Beyond the Written Word" highlights the range of climate education lessons and tactics.
The ebook is available digitally.
Kathleen Rogers, President, EARTHDAY.ORG said, "Climate education should be assessed and integrated into every classroom at all educational levels around the world."
"We have no time to waste to make sure the next generation develops into engaged and educated environmental stewards. This new publication shines a light on the climate education programs taking place around the world that others can look to for inspiration."