Climate change poses a multitude of challenges. Not only are there the interdisciplinary, multi-scale scientific challenges of understanding the problem, but also the socio-economic, technological, ethical and political challenges of implementing appropriate responses at local to global scales. Often underestimated, both in terms of the role it can play in meeting these challenges along with the difficulty in delivering it effectively, is the provision of climate change education. In particular, there is a growing need for climate education resources that adopt both broad learning objectives and pedagogically effective practices. Key objectives of climate education include furthering learners’ content knowledge of climate science (e.g. the greenhouse effect, local impacts), developing scientific and other skills (e.g. scientific literacy, critical thinking, communication, systems thinking) and initiating positive attitudes/actions (e.g. respect for nature, empathy, behavioral change).
This session invites contributions on climate change education and outreach across all age levels (primary, high school, adult), settings (formal and informal) and approaches (e.g. data exploration, hands-on experiments, citizen science, serious games, partnerships with scientists, writing, filmmaking, art). Submissions are welcomed on past, ongoing and planned projects, including already implemented teaching efforts. Contributions on pedagogy, planned syllabus changes, and pre- and in-service teacher training programs are also welcomed. Talks and posters related to upper primary to middle school levels, as well as on adaption of scientific reports (e.g. IPCC), are particularly encouraged. The session is an opportunity for educators, resource developers, pedagogical experts and scientists to network and share ideas on climate education.