Education can empower Arab talents to advance climate agendas
The climate threats ravaging countries in the Middle East and North Africa are impacting societies, economies and life as we know it.
Considered one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to climate change, MENA countries have been tackling a number of aggressive climate hazards, such as extremely high temperatures, droughts, low precipitation, land degradation, limited agricultural lands and water scarcity. According to a World Bank report, the countries of the region could lose up to 6 percent of their gross domestic product by 2050 due to climate-induced water scarcity alone.
The time available to act is rapidly diminishing, while the consequences of inaction can become increasingly costly. This scenario is especially compounded by the shortage in regional climate-focused talents, scientists and experts who can address these complex issues. As such, to successfully navigate the climate impacts in the region, a fundamental transformation should occur within schools and universities to mandate a national climate education curriculum that equips students with the competencies and skills to take decisive actions toward solving climate-related challenges.
Vitally, MENA governments should design a robust climate education curriculum that reflects the realities of their natural environments so that students are capable of working in climate-related careers. Students should be made aware of relevant regional issues, such as the impacts of pollution, natural hazard management, environmental health, sustainable farming, efficient resource management, adaptation and mitigation strategies, resilient infrastructure, nature reserves, sustainable transport systems, and sustainable industrialization. Students should also learn about regional natural topographies, unsustainable consumption patterns and designing sustainable practices. Hands-on lessons and fieldwork exercises will allow students to interact with their natural environments and comprehend their roles in contributing to sustainability.
To attract skilled individuals who can discover innovative solutions, it is essential to boost the availability of degrees in climate-related subjects. Several universities worldwide provide exceptional degree programs focused on climate change, including dedicated research centers that lead the way in utilizing scientific knowledge to develop effective strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. Collaborative research efforts are crucial for developing the solutions necessary to safeguard the environment and address climate-related hazards.
For example, the climate programs offered at University College London discuss a range of critical issues, such as adapting vulnerable cities to climate change, formulating resilience strategies, designing effective energy and environmental legislation, creating effective resource management systems, and leveraging behavioral economies within mitigation plans. Students also explore a number of regulatory, economic, educational, social and technological measures that can contribute to climate adaptation plans. Ultimately, such educational pathways can nurture the expertise and skills required for talents to pursue careers within green sectors.
Many countries in the Arab world are already leading this momentum. A report published by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development on environmental education in Arab countries reveals progress in this area. For instance, environmental education is already integrated within school curricula, university courses and related scholarships in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Qatar.
Recently, the Ministry of Education in the UAE entered into a partnership with UNESCO and UNICEF with the goal of implementing a world-class climate education program in schools across the country. Comprehensive guidance will be provided to convert half of the UAE’s schools and 70 campuses to become ecofriendly. Additionally, the ministry will introduce detailed guidebooks to incorporate climate education into the curriculum, with the aim of enhancing students’ knowledge, skills and values in line with sustainability strategies. To achieve this goal, more than 1,400 principals and 2,800 teachers will receive training. Students will also be urged to promote sustainability practices through community outreach programs and green initiatives.
As part of the UK Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, a suite of initiatives is set to become part of the national curriculum. Beginning from the early years foundation stage right up to high school, children will be immersed in a national curriculum that introduces them to the natural environment, progressing into deep-dive subjects within science, geography and citizenship programs to gain a thorough understanding. GCSEs cover essential topics within a sustainability context, such as design and technology, food preparation and nutrition, and economics. A newly developed natural history GCSE is set to debut by 2025, enabling students to learn more about organisms, environments, practical fieldwork and conservation.
Children and young people will also have many opportunities to engage in eco-clubs and practical activities revolving around the natural environment, such as vegetable growing, selecting sustainable foods, recycling, energy monitoring and designing adaptation projects. Additionally, the UK’s Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education is partnering with employers to design a set of green apprenticeships spanning strategic green career pathways. For instance, a sustainable business specialist will be trained to assist organizations in managing resources and reducing waste according to environmentally friendly standards. And a corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioner will be trained on driving sustainability agendas to catalyze social and environmental benefits.
Climate education can play a pivotal role in tackling environmental challenges and accelerating progress toward positive impacts by empowering societies to take responsibility for safeguarding their natural environments.
Published in Arab News.