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→

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→

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→

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 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→

Children’s books and TV shows are full of animals, but how well do kids really know the natural world? The vast majority of the world’s known animal species – 96.9% – are invertebrates, such as insects, snails, spiders and worms. But when my colleagues and I asked a large group of children to draw animals from their […] … learn more→

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→

Since 2020, each middle and high school class must have elected one or two eco-delegates . They are, in a way, spokespersons for the issues of sustainable development with their peers and can implement actions in establishments such as the installation of composters or the reduction of food waste. Our analysis of the institutional frameworks supplemented by the […] … learn more→

As centres of learning, universities have the potential to help whole communities learn about and address climate change. Education can lead us to change our attitudes and behaviour. It can also help us deal with the anxiety or fear of doom that can stun us into inaction. But there are aspects of how universities work that can […] … learn more→

Young people have a vital role to play in addressing global crises today. Around the world, arts education is helping youth understand the issues, connect with them emotionally and take action. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals identify some of the most critical challenges confronting humanity. These include taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (Goal 13), promoting just, […] … learn more→