Green education initiatives
The European Union (EU) is encouraging and supporting the education and training sector to take action for a greener, more sustainable future and to build the sustainability competences of learners.
Support for the green and digital transitions is a priority area for EU policy cooperation in education.
Support for the green and digital transitions is a priority area for EU policy cooperation in education.
Key challenges
- despite progress, learning for sustainability often relies on individual schools or teachers, limiting its broader impact (Education and Training Monitor, 2024)
- only 42% of young people report having had a meaningful opportunity to learn about sustainability in school (Education and Training Monitor, 2024)
- teachers cite lack of time, space and suitable guidance and resources to integrate sustainability in their teaching (European Commission staff working document, 2024)
- 84% of young people believe sustainability is important but less than one third take action for sustainability in their daily life (Education and Training Monitor, 2024)
- schools face increased disruption due to climate change and extreme weather events, including flooding and rising temperatures (World Bank report, 2024)
- many young people are keen to pursue studies and careers in sectors related to the green transition yet they are unaware of the opportunities available to them (OECD working paper, 2024)
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