Ours to Protect is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference.
Today on ‘Ours To Protect’ John Morley talks to renowned environmentalist Duncan Stewart and Dr Anne Nolan, coordinator of the Masters in Education for Sustainability and Global Citizenship at Mary Immaculate College Limerick about improving access to environmentalism in the Irish education system...
Did you know…
- Sustainability education focuses on addressing topics and breaking down topics like biodiversity, the bioeconomy, the circular economy, the science behind climate change, transport, energy and water pollution.
- The Galway Youth Climate Assembly aimed to educate students on sustainability and participate in decision-making for climate action policies and to learn about processes and products made in Galway that are in line with the UN’S sustainability goals.
- Sustainability will become part of the Leaving Cert curriculum in 2025 through the subject ‘Climate Action and Sustainable Development.’
- Climate anxiety can be defined as an ongoing distress over climate events such as major flooding having a massive impact on the landscape and on human life is said to be on the rise among young people.
Why is important?
- Sustainability education focuses on addressing topics and breaking down topics like biodiversity, the bioeconomy, the circular economy, the science behind climate change, transport, energy and water pollution.
- The Galway Youth Climate Assembly aimed to educate students on sustainability and participate in decision-making for climate action policies and to learn about processes and products made in Galway that are in line with the UN’S sustainability goals.
- Sustainability will become part of the Leaving Cert curriculum in 2025 through the subject ‘Climate Action and Sustainable Development.’
- Climate anxiety can be defined as an ongoing distress over climate events such as major flooding having a massive impact on the landscape and on human life is said to be on the rise among young people.
Why is sustainability education so important?
- It allows primary and secondary school students to have an active voice in the conversation around sustainability.
- It can develop their problem solving, critical thinking and participation skills in making informed decisions in relation to climate action
- The Government are building on a national strategy for sustainability education-the National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development will work on achieving Ireland’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
- The Galway Youth Climate Assembly was launched last year as the first of its kind in the country and has inspired other local events around the country for students to discuss sustainability.
What can I do to help support sustainability education issues?
- Teachers can use resources on sustainblity to educate their pupils in classrooms-such as the EcoEd4all programme for Transition Year students
- Encouraging young people to get outside and connect with nature such as taking part in weekly local nature walks like those in Merlin Woods or cycling to school.
- Contacting local politicians in relation to sustainability education issues.
Here’s a few websites if you want to know more !
https://ecoed4all.com /
https://www.instagram.com/sautiyouthproject/-
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsofMerlinWoods/-
For more info go over to galwaybayfm.ie, click on Our to Protect image on home page. You could try out the ‘Ecological Footprint’ calculator and you can take a quick survey.
‘Ours To Protect’ brought to you by Galway Bay fm, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee – check out ‘ours to protect.ie for more info.
