Blog Archives

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→

Being eco-delegates in college or high school: what means of action?

Being eco-delegates in college or high school: what means of action?

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→

How universities could help whole communities tackle climate change

How universities could help whole communities tackle climate change

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→

Arts activities can provoke empathy and inspire youth action on urgent UN global goals

Arts activities can provoke empathy and inspire youth action on urgent UN global goals

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→

Climate doomism is bad storytelling – hope is much more effective at triggering action

Climate doomism is bad storytelling – hope is much more effective at triggering action

When news about the climate is published, like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest report, frightening headlines like “final warning” or “now or never” are often the norm. Some activists call this approach “climate doomism”, and are quick to criticise media publications and other influencers for it. Climate doomism is the view that humanity has lost the climate battle, and we feel […] … learn more→

Being eco-delegates in college or high school: what means of action?

Being eco-delegates in college or high school: what means of action?

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→