All over the world, people are becoming increasingly aware of climate change. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods and hurricanes are becoming more common and having devastating effects on communities around the world.
Many people are unaware of the links between girls' education and climate change. Climate-related events prevent millions of girls in low-income countries from completing their education. Those who are already marginalised through poverty, displacement or disability are likely to be worst affected. Research also shows that countries investing in girls' education experience far fewer deaths from droughts and floods than countries with lower levels of girls' education.
This resource pack explores the connections between climate change and girls' education, and offers educators practical ways to help young people think critically, participate actively and develop values that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Over the course of six 60-minute lessons, learners will:
- learn why climate change is an important issue, how climate crises affect people in different ways, and some actions we can take to reduce the causes of climate change
- explore which countries and groups produce the most emissions, and discuss how fairness and justice are connected to climate change
- find out how climate-related disasters can make existing gender inequalities worse, and how girls' education can help communities adapt to climate change and build a fairer, more sustainable society
- learn from youth activists around the world and think about the steps needed to plan a social action project
- compare individual behaviour change with system-level change and consider when each one is useful
- study the possible effects of coal mining on communities, including power relations and gender roles, and develop empathy by thinking about different points of view linked to climate justice.
These resources support learners in developing core skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and student leadership. They also help them understand their role as active citizens. For teachers, the materials offer practical and inspiring ways to involve learners in exploring climate change and gender inequality, and guide them towards informed action.