Education on climate change
The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are relatively low-level emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG). Nonetheless, they suffer the consequences. It is therefore important to provide those affected with information on the causes and effects of climate change, and to build institutional and personal capacities to mitigate effects locally.
Given that almost all countries in the region are middle income countries with growing economies driven by the exploitation of natural resources, and with increasing levels of consumption, climate change adaptation actions must also be implemented, alongside awareness building on the environmental impacts of consumption and production in order to mobilise citizens to take action to reduce their carbon footprints, water consumption, etc.
Climate change is a highly complex issue that must be explained in a way that the public at large will understand. The issue must therefore to taken to schools, creating synergies between education and science through building capacities among teachers and students.
With the aim of providing tools that contribute to capacity building, OREALC/UNESCO Santiago is working on developing a regional strategy to promote education on climate change.