CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION: AN EARTH INSTITUTE SUSTAINABILITY PRIMER

Book Details:

• Author(s): Cassie Xu, Radhika Iyengar

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2024

• ISBN: 9788131613856

• Pages: 188

• Cover: Hardcover

About the Book

Climate change affects every aspect of society, community, and industry. This book emphasizes the critical need for climate change education at all levels and across disciplines, both inside and outside formal institutions. The authors, Cassie Xu and Radhika Iyengar, present a framework for placing climate change at the center of educational agendas. They offer pedagogical tools grounded in evidence-based practices that incorporate a systems approach to teaching climate science.

This book showcases strategies for effective climate change education in diverse learning environments, from formal classrooms to informal settings such as communities and families. It argues that understanding climate science and its physical and social impacts is crucial not only for fostering good citizenship but also for preparing students for various career paths. The authors also address systemic barriers and inequalities, stressing the importance of bringing marginalized voices and perspectives into educational spaces. The book underscores the vital role of interdisciplinary environmental education and how teaching future generations about climate change will impact our collective future.

Contents

Introduction
Part I: Why Climate Education Needs Systems Thinking

1. Defining Systems Thinking and Climate Change

Part II: Climate Change Education and Future Workforces
2. Systems Thinking Skills and Outcomes
3. Strategies in Instructional Design

Part III: Examples and Case Studies of Climate Change Education in Practice
4. Climate Change in Formal Learning Environments
5. Community-Based (Informal) Education
6. Teaching Climate Change in Nonformal Settings

Part IV: The Future of Climate Education
7. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access as a Tool for Addressing Social and Environmental Justice
8. Role of the Columbia Climate School in Climate Education

About the Author / Editor

Cassie Xu is the former director of K-12 and continuing education at the Columbia Climate School, where she spearheaded the establishment of the Office of Education and Outreach.

Radhika Iyengar is a research scholar and the director of education at the Columbia Climate School’s Center for Sustainable Development.