A survey reveals the detrimental impacts of climate change on education in Brazil, including school closures, decreased attendance, and health issues affecting students. Sofia Lerche’s technical note offers solutions to enhance climate literacy and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach in teaching. The study emphasizes the importance of community engagement and adapting teaching methods to address the challenges posed by climate emergencies.
A recent survey illustrates the adverse effects of climate change on education in Brazil, demonstrating how floods, extreme heat, and wildfire-related health issues have led to school cancellations and increased absenteeism. According to Sofia Lerche, an emeritus professor at the State University of Ceará, the technical note titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Education: Initiating a Debate” outlines these challenges and suggests strategies for schools to promote climate awareness and resilience.
Ms. Lerche emphasizes that climate change is an external factor affecting educational institutions, primarily influencing attendance and learning. While schools may not hold the key to reversing climate change, they can serve an essential role in fostering awareness and providing protection against extreme weather. The technical note, developed with D3e and other organizations, advocates for incorporating climate and environmental literacy into the curriculum and enhancing teacher training.
A multidisciplinary approach is vital, as suggested by Ms. Lerche, integrating various subjects to address environmental preservation and sustainability in basic education. She proposes project-based pedagogy, wherein teachers collaborate across disciplines to tackle relevant climate themes throughout the academic year. Furthermore, emotionally supportive practices for students experiencing “climate anxiety” are crucial to developing their climate resilience.
In instances when in-person education becomes impossible due to climate emergencies, Ms. Lerche recommends leveraging remote learning strategies successfully implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. Utilizing these innovative methods can ensure continued learning in the face of adversity. Moreover, she highlights the importance of activating the entire school community in environmental initiatives, proposing that school buildings could function as safe havens during crises.
The study also addresses the role of public authorities in this transformation, calling for coordinated efforts to tailor responses based on regional challenges, such as drought in the northeastern region and flooding in Rio Grande do Sul. The findings are rooted in recent international research from agencies like UNESCO, the World Bank, and the OECD. While concrete data on climate’s effect on attendance is still evolving, its significant impact on teaching and learning processes is evident across various contexts.
In summary, the research underscores the profound impact of climate change on Brazil’s educational system, highlighting the need for immediate curricular adaptations and enhanced teacher training. Ms. Lerche advocates for a collaborative, multidisciplinary pedagogical approach that prepares students to address climate-related challenges while fostering emotional resilience. Additionally, engaging the entire school community in proactive environmental actions is vital to navigating the impacts of climate emergencies effectively.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
