This paper was written by Shwetlena Sabarwal, Sergio Venegas Marin, Marla Spivack, and Diego Ambasz using qualitative research I designed and conducted with students and climate activists across low-, middle- and high-income countries. It can be accessed at https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/publication/education-for-climate-action.
Education is a key asset for climate action. Education reshapes behaviors, develops skills, and spurs innovation—everything we need to combat the greatest crisis facing humanity. Better educated people are more resilient and adaptable, better equipped to create and work in green jobs, and critical to driving solutions.
Yet, education is massively overlooked in the climate agenda. Almost no climate finance goes to education. Channeling more climate funding to education could significantly boost climate change mitigation and adaption.
At the same time, climate change is a huge threat to education. Millions of young people face lost days of learning because of climate related events. In low-income countries the situation is worse. Unless made up, this lost learning will negatively impact their future earnings and productivity. It will also lead to great inequality both within and across countries.
Deborah Spindelman 