8 out of 10 students who receive climate change education improve their ecological behavior

On October 31, the 26th United Nations Conference on Climate Change begins in Glasgow. Under the slogan ‘Uniting the world to face climate change’, COP 26 aims to accelerate climate action to meet the objectives set in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

These include the reduction of emissions, aid to developing countries and the creation of a transparency framework for the global balance of climate objectives. To meet them, it is crucial that the younger generations are aware of the magnitude of the problem and how to act.

Education is the key to tackling climate change

According to the United Nations “education can make people change their attitudes and behaviors; above all, it encourages young people to take action”. In fact, according to a survey of 100,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 25 in ten countries by the University of Bath in England, 59% of young people say they feel worried about the situation and more than 45% say that this concern affects your day to day.

In line with this, a study carried out by Stanford University shows that subjects related to the care and protection of the environment, in addition to generating genuine interest in young people, benefit students of any age to the point that 83% improve their ecological behavior after receiving environmental education.

Within the framework of COP26, the Ambassador of Spain, France and Ireland of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Farah Faizal, held a conference for Baccalaureate students from The British School of Barcelona (BSB) on October 22. , one of the leading international schools in Spain. At the conference, Dr. Faizal informed the students of the Maldives’ vulnerability to climate change and the importance of making this threat visible, as well as investing in research. The ambassador also encouraged the students to be the future leaders for change.

“The vulnerability caused by climate change is not a thing of tomorrow; it is happening now. And it is already changing our way of living. That is why we need to invest in research and find ways to reverse this situation, such as renewable energy technologies and sustainable solutions. We must also actively raise awareness, as I am doing here now talking to young people like you.” Dr Faizal concluded “It is very important that those who believe in protecting the world become leaders of the future because the Maldives needs you.”

From theory to practice: Professional Orientation Program

The visit of the ambassador of Spain, France and Ireland of the Republic of Maldives to BSB is part of the Professional Orientation Program that the international school has been developing for years at its BSB Nexus pre-university campus in Castelldefels.

“In today’s changing environment, where 65% of today’s students are likely to be in professions that don’t yet exist, it’s critical to offer a broad, diversified and future-focused experience that stimulates student interest. students towards emerging industries and professions, and invite them to want to do more research on topics of innovation, disruption and global mindset”, explains Kyra Kellawan, Futures Advisor at BSB Nexus. “We are very honored to have been able to count on the presence of His Excellency Dr. Farah Faizal at BSB to raise awareness on such a sensitive and pressing issue as climate change, and to educate our students on the urgent need to create systems to create a sustainable future.

Kellawan adds: “We believe that Baccalaureate is a crucial stage in which we must connect students with opinion leaders, professionals and experts from different sectors of activity, national and international, who broaden their vision of the professional world. This is a component unique to the BSB Nexus program and our educational offerings.

BSB’s College and Career Guidance Program is unique and innovative, designed to help students identify their personal and career goals, equipping them with the tools to achieve them. Students receive individualized support that helps them define their future after school and recognize their own talents, motivations and skills. Thanks to this process, BSB students have access to a wide variety of options, whether it be studying at a prestigious international university in Spain or abroad, discovering their creative talent or exceptional quality, or creating their own projects to generate a positive change in the world.

Source: The Economist