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 10 July 2019

    #OffTrack #1: In Morocco, Teachers Protest Precarious Employment Contracts That Disregard SDG Commitments to Improve Teacher Employment Conditions

    Today, the United Nations High-Level Political Forum will focus on reviewing Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and interrelations with other goals. We are far off track to achieve decent work for all educators. In fact, in some countries, governments are introducing policies that are worsening the employment and...

    #OffTrack #1: In Morocco, Teachers Protest Precarious Employment Contracts That Disregard SDG Commitments to Improve Teacher Employment Conditions
  2. Worlds of Education 9 July 2019

    #OffTrack #0: Educators Assess Progress Towards SDG 4, by David Edwards.

    David Edwards

    In 2015, governments committed to achieve inclusive, equitable, quality education for all by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 4, SDG 4). Four years later, the world is severely off track to achieve the goal. This mini blog series illustrates some of the many obstacles to the achievement of SDG 4, from...

    #OffTrack #0: Educators Assess Progress Towards SDG 4, by David Edwards.
  3. News 19 June 2019

    The OECD Teaching and International Survey (TALIS) 2018 data released

    The latest Teaching and international Survey (TALIS) 2018 report released by the OECD illustrates the issues teachers face in their workplace; focusing on working time and training of teachers.

    The OECD Teaching and International Survey (TALIS) 2018 data released
  4. News 3 June 2019

    World Environment Day: Calling on governments to protect the planet

    For World Environment Day, June 5th, Education International calls on governments to address climate change and help beat air pollution, the biggest public health crisis on the planet.

    World Environment Day: Calling on governments to protect the planet
  5. Worlds of Education 16 May 2019

    “Education Support Personnel: Shining light on the invisible workforce”, by Philippa Butler.

    Philippa Butler

    Education Support Personnel (ESP) are a vital part of the education workforce. They help to do all the background tasks and hidden duties that ensure that teachers can teach and students can learn. Together with teachers and school leaders, ESP are responsible for creating and sustaining a school culture where...

    “Education Support Personnel: Shining light on the invisible workforce”, by Philippa Butler.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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