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Climate change is caused by two things, starting with natural causes, which refer to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns including major volcanic activity or eruptions. In addition, climate change is also caused by daily human activities, which are the main cause, including the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
Simply put, climate change can be defined as long-term shifts in the Earth's average temperature and weather conditions. The rapid warming of the earth about 100 years ago has led to changing weather patterns. The Earth's temperature has been increasing year by year. The 1980s was the year when the earth was hotter than the previous year. In fact, in 2024 the world recorded the hottest year caused by climate change with warming exceeding 1.5C compared to pre-industrial levels.
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today, and it’s affecting how we live and survive. That’s why the UN is pushing for a wide-ranging approach to tackle it, starting with education. They’ve made it a priority to teach students about climate change and how to fight it. The idea is simple: if we educate young people now, they’ll be better prepared to protect the planet in the future.
UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development Goals is all about helping countries teach climate change at every level of education. This means using creative teaching methods, focusing on what students need to learn, and making sure they understand how their actions can make a difference. It’s not just about memorizing facts—it’s about changing how we think and act.
And this isn’t just for science class. Climate change education can fit into any subject, even English or social studies. It’s about creating a mindset where everyone, no matter what they’re studying, understands the importance of taking care of our planet. By teaching students early, we’re giving them the tools to build a better, greener future for all of us.
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In English Language Teaching, students have capability to enhance their skills which is Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Teachers provide the activities for the students. For instance read articles, essays, or novels that explore environmental themes, write persuasive pieces on sustainability, or practice debating climate-related issues. This not only improves their language skills but also helps them articulate the urgency of the climate crisis
In the context of improving students' language skills. Teachers can utilize ICT in language learning such as Google arts which can be accessed for free https://artsandculture.google.com/story/ngVxeq0lUiGTMw
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For example, students could explore the role of kelp in combating climate change through their readings and discussions. Kelp forests are incredible natural carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate the effects of global warming. By writing essays or debating about the importance of preserving and restoring kelp ecosystems, students can highlight how protecting these underwater forests is a vital part of the climate solution.
Through this process, they not only enhance their ability to communicate effectively but also gain a deeper understanding of how nature-based solutions, like kelp conservation, play a critical role in addressing environmental challenges. This knowledge empowers them to advocate for innovative and sustainable strategies to protect our planet, making their learning both impactful and relevant to real-world issues.
Kelp forests have the ability to pull carbon from the atmosphere. Additionally, kelp forest also can emit oxygen, and help reduce nutrient pollution in our oceans including enhancing biodiversity and ultimately helping the planet combat climate change. Kelp forests have the ability to draw carbon from the atmosphere. In addition, kelp forests can also emit oxygen, and help reduce nutrient pollution in the oceans including increasing biodiversity and ultimately helping the planet combat climate change. In addition to benefiting human life, kelp is also beneficial to biodiversity.
As teachers, we should be able to provide the activities By exploring real-world issues such as climate change and kelp forests, students see the relevance of their learning to global challenges. They begin to understand that their education is not limited to the classroom, but extends to addressing pressing environmental issues that affect the entire planet. Furthermore, through activities such as reading about the role of kelp forests in carbon sequestration, writing persuasive essays on marine conservation or debating climate solutions, students realize the power of their language skills. They learn to articulate complex ideas, advocate sustainable practices and inspire others to take action. This connection between language learning and real-world issues empowers students to use their voices as tools for positive change, fostering a sense of responsibility and hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
https://only.one/pages/explainer-kelp-seaweed-splendor
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24021772
Putri, C., Silvhiany, S., & Inderawati, R. (2024). Empowering young learners: Integrating climate change education with bilingual picture books in ELT. English Review: Journal of English Education, 12(2), 601-616.
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