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

Worlds of Education 24 January 2020
“Learning for people, planet, prosperity and peace”, by Susan Hopgood.

Susan Hopgood

What is more exciting than helping a child discover the joy of learning and begin a life of exploration. What could be more important to the future than helping to understand and embrace the values that anchor decent, fair and democratic societies and that develop a resistance to hatred, bigotry,...
“Learning for people, planet, prosperity and peace”, by Susan Hopgood.
News 9 January 2020
Australia: trade unions mobilise in the national bushfire crisis

Education International commends the Australian Council of Trade Unions for its prompt reaction to help communities affected by the raging bushfires and its call for donation and/or volunteering.
Australia: trade unions mobilise in the national bushfire crisis
Worlds of Education 23 December 2019
"On life and the market", by David Edwards.

David Edwards

From an early age, we try to fit children into the world. Instead, perhaps, we should reflect on how the world should fit children.
"On life and the market", by David Edwards.
News 11 December 2019
COP 25: Educators firmly commit to helping address the climate emergency

Speaking at the 25th United Nations Conference on Climate Change, Education International reiterated its resolve to contribute to solving the climate crisis, tackling the climate emergency from the classroom.
COP 25: Educators firmly commit to helping address the climate emergency
News 27 November 2019
40th UNESCO General Conference: Teachers and educators at the core of achieving SDG 4

Education International and its member organisations have been active at UNESCO’s 40th General Conference, where teachers and educators were high on the agenda.
40th UNESCO General Conference: Teachers and educators at the core of achieving SDG 4
News 4 November 2019
Finland: Leading education event in Nordic countries welcomes international participants

The Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ) invites educators from across the world to Educa’s 25th anniversary edition and its first international programme in English on 24 and 25 January in Helsinki.
Finland: Leading education event in Nordic countries welcomes international participants
Worlds of Education 22 October 2019
“Education International. Eighth World Congress”, by John Bangs.

John Bangs

The online magazine ‘Education Journal’ recently published in its edition 385 a report of Education International’s eighth World Congress in Bangkok by EI Senior Consultant, John Bangs. Education Journal has agreed to its publication for Worlds of Education. It has been slightly edited for EI’s global audience.
“Education International. Eighth World Congress”, by John Bangs.
News 22 October 2019
Ghana: Education unions and civil society stand together to demand full funding of public education

Education International, ActionAid International, Africa Network Campaign on Education for All and the Global Campaign for Education are calling for African governments to invest in quality public education and teachers.
Ghana: Education unions and civil society stand together to demand full funding of public education
Worlds of Education 18 October 2019
“Education – Changing the World”, by David Edwards

David Edwards

The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) devoted the most recent edition of its magazine, “Perspectives” to education and democracy. It covers the challenges to democracy in Canada, North America and the world. It also reports on education initiatives that have been developed in Canada to support and re-enforce democratic values and...
“Education – Changing the World”, by David Edwards
News 15 October 2019
Niger: education unions stand together against climate change

Niger’s teaching unions, brought together under the Education International branch in the country, have recently led a number of activities in connection with the Global Week of Climate Action, most notably the Day of Reflections on Climate Change, while also lending their support to the climate march which was organised...
Niger: education unions stand together against climate change
News 9 October 2019
Iraq: education union promotes internal democracy and gender equity and fights climate change

In preparation for next year’s conference of the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union (KTU), an extended meeting of the KTU Executive Committee was convened, underlining the issues of democracy, gender equality and action against climate change.
Iraq: education union promotes internal democracy and gender equity and fights climate change
News 8 October 2019
Education unionists in Asia-Pacific put forward recommendations to advance SDG4 and professional teaching standards

At the Asia-Pacific regional consultative meeting of Education International affiliates, education union leaders adopted recommendations to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 and implement professional teaching standards.
Education unionists in Asia-Pacific put forward recommendations to advance SDG4 and professional teaching standards
News 27 September 2019
Education unionists speak at United Nations against climate change and for SDG implementation

Education International’s leaders joined advocates from across the globe convening at the United Nations General Assembly this week, amid crises including climate change and threats of armed conflict, as well as a growing concern about progress on the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Education unionists speak at United Nations against climate change and for SDG implementation
Worlds of Education 24 September 2019
“Governments, Fulfil Your Promises: Make Climate Change Education Universal Now!”, by David Edwards.

David Edwards

It was a historic moment when in 2015 UN member states adopted a progressive agenda for a better world, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Central to the SDGs was the important (albeit overdue) recognition that social and economic development cannot be pursued without taking into account their environmental impact. That...
“Governments, Fulfil Your Promises: Make Climate Change Education Universal Now!”, by David Edwards.
23 September 2019
Resolution on: Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals
News 20 September 2019
Fridays For Future: Educators join global protest action for climate justice

At today’s Fridays For Future march, Education International stood in solidarity with students, unions and other civil society groups to demand immediate action against climate change.
Fridays For Future: Educators join global protest action for climate justice
Worlds of Education 18 September 2019
“Global Week of Climate Action: Count us in!”, by Susan Hopgood.

Susan Hopgood

Strongest hurricane in recorded history, hottest summer, unprecedented mass bleaching of the coral reef… we have grown accustomed to deal in superlatives. Since 1970, the number of natural disasters worldwide has more than quadrupled to around 400 a year. Scientists have warned us about the extreme weather phenomena climate change...
“Global Week of Climate Action: Count us in!”, by Susan Hopgood.
17 September 2019
Resolution on: Education and Research Play a Crucial Role for the Environment and for the Future of Humanity