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 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Worlds of Education 15 September 2019

    “Education on the International Day of Democracy”, by David Edwards.

    David Edwards

    The United Nations established the International Day of Democracy on the 15th of September in 2007 to promote democracy. In 2019, it is clear that democracy and all the things that go with it like human rights and rule of law need to be defended as well as promoted. Education...

    “Education on the International Day of Democracy”, by David Edwards.
  4. Worlds of Education 28 August 2019

    “G20: no long-lasting change without education”, by David Edwards.

    David Edwards

    The G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial meeting here in Japan is an opportunity to reflect. EI and other Global Unions are participating in the Labour 20 – L20 which represents the interests of workers at the G20 level. It importantly unites trade unions across G20 countries and our Global Union...

    “G20: no long-lasting change without education”, by David Edwards.
  5. Worlds of Education 13 August 2019

    “For the integrity and status of Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training”, by Fred van Leeuwen.

    Fred van Leeuwen

    Higher education is indispensable if we are to maintain a foundation of facts, knowledge and free discussion in society. TVET reaches very many young people and adults and has a key education function in addition to providing skills training. Both are under attack as many, public and private, innocently or...

    “For the integrity and status of Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training”, by Fred van Leeuwen.
  6. News 11 August 2019

    International Youth Day – Transforming education for and with young people

    Education International celebrates International Youth Day and joins the global trade union movement, standing together with and sending a message to the young workers of today and tomorrow, and to those who hold and exercise power within and beyond the world of work: Education is an enabling human right and...

    International Youth Day – Transforming education for and with young people
  7. Worlds of Education 24 July 2019

    “Turning inclusion into reality: the central role of teachers”, by Anna D’Addio.

    Anna Cristina D'Addio

    Many factors feed into the design of a truly inclusive education system. Some factors shape the way education systems are set up, such as laws and policies or governance and finance mechanisms. Others operate inside the school walls, in the shape of curricula and learning materials, but also teachers, school...

    “Turning inclusion into reality: the central role of teachers”, by Anna D’Addio.
  8. News 23 July 2019

    Unions on the Frontlines

    In a well-received speech at Education International’s 8th World Congress, guest speaker Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and former EI Vice-President, argued that education workers’ unions must be involved in the fight for democracy, a new social contract and climate change.

    Unions on the Frontlines
  9. News 23 July 2019

    Climate change: A hands-on guide for educators

    Climate change is high on the agenda of EI’s 8th World Congress. Now educators have the chance to gear up the fight against the climate crisis from their classroom thanks to a new informative guide.

    Climate change: A hands-on guide for educators
  10. Worlds of Education 23 July 2019

    “Climate change action: organising to win”, by Adam Lincoln.

    Adam Lincoln

    As education trade unionists gather together for the 8th EI World Congress, it is clear that working people and students are on the front lines of climate change. Already 83 million climate-related refugees have fled from disaster. 72 million jobs are threatened. Climate change affects our brothers and sisters –...

    “Climate change action: organising to win”, by Adam Lincoln.
  11. Worlds of Education 22 July 2019

    “Our Mandate”, by David Edwards

    David Edwards

    Being elected General Secretary of EI is a great honour. It is a challenge to live up to the confidence that has been given by the representatives of education workers from all regions of the world. It is also comforting to join that small team of talented leaders elected on...

    “Our Mandate”, by David Edwards