Blog Archives

As school students strike for climate once more, here’s how the movement and its tactics have changed

As school students strike for climate once more, here’s how the movement and its tactics have changed

On Friday, students will once again down textbooks and laptops and go on strike for climate action. Many will give their schools a Climate Doctor’s Certificate signed by three leading climate academics. These strikes – part of a National Climate Strike – mark five years since school students started walking out of schools to demand greater action on climate change. In […] … learn more→

What can board games teach students about climate change?

What can board games teach students about climate change?

Among the world’s ever-expanding array of board games, a small but growing number deal with climate change. But are these games any good? As a professor of English who specializes in environmental literature, I set out to learn how well these board games portray the perils that global warming poses to the planet. Are they an effective […] … learn more→

This course uses ‘climate fiction’ to teach about the perils that a warming planet faces

This course uses ‘climate fiction’ to teach about the perils that a warming planet faces

Title of course: “Climate Change Literature” What prompted the idea for the course? After reading many fiction books that featured themes of climate change, I felt compelled to create a course that would allow students to do the same. The idea was to have students learn about our planetary crisis by exploring how it’s portrayed […] … learn more→

The true damage of invasive alien species was just revealed in a landmark report. Here’s how we must act

The true damage of invasive alien species was just revealed in a landmark report. Here’s how we must act

Invasive alien species are driving biodiversity loss and extinctions in every country, all over the world. Responding to the challenge, the United Nations is today releasing the first global assessment of invasive alien species and their control. It comes from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which represents almost 140 member states. Over four years, […] … learn more→

‘I tend to be very gentle’: how teachers are navigating climate change in the classroom

‘I tend to be very gentle’: how teachers are navigating climate change in the classroom

Climate change education is increasingly seen as an essential part of schooling. The main international test of 15-year-olds’ progress (which Australia participates in) has just announced the next round of testing will include environmental knowledge alongside English, maths and science literacy. Australia’s national curriculum (updated last year under the Morrison government) barely mentions climate change. But as a signatory to the […] … learn more→

Montana kids win historic climate lawsuit – here’s why it could set a powerful precedent

Montana kids win historic climate lawsuit – here’s why it could set a powerful precedent

qSixteen young Montanans who sued their state over climate change emerged victorious on Aug. 14, 2023, from a first-of-its-kind climate trial. The case, Held v. State of Montana, was based on allegations that state energy policies violate the young plaintiffs’ constitutional right to “a clean and healthful environment” – a right that has been enshrined in the Montana Constitution since […] … learn more→

From outdoor classrooms to gardens, how Nova Scotia youth are creating healthier school communities

From outdoor classrooms to gardens, how Nova Scotia youth are creating healthier school communities

Youth and young adults hold unique, creative and diverse perspectives and approaches compared to their adult counterparts. Think about the advocacy of Greta Thunberg and Mikaela Loach around climate change and climate justice or Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for all children’s rights to receive an education. While these advocates have challenged the marginalization of children’s and young people’s voices in the context […] … learn more→

The fast, furious, and brutally short life of an African male lion

The fast, furious, and brutally short life of an African male lion

The death of a lion in Kenya’s picturesque savannas rarely tugs at people’s hearts, even in a country where wildlife tourism is a key pillar of the nation’s economy. But when one of the most tracked male lions in Kenya’s famous Masaai Mara was killed on 24 July 2023 the world took notice. Known as Jesse, he […] … learn more→

Why are so many climate records breaking all at once?

Why are so many climate records breaking all at once?

In the past few weeks, climate records have shattered across the globe. July 4 was the hottest global average day on record, breaking the new record set the previous day. Average sea surface temperatures have been the highest ever recorded and Antarctic sea ice extent the lowest on record. Also on July 4, the World Meteorological Organization declared El Niño had begun, […] … learn more→