Climate education in action: A collective agenda for building resilient education ecosystems

Monday, October 26, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. EDT 
Online only: https://www.brookings.edu/events/climate-education-in-action-a-collective-agenda-for-building-resilient-education-ecosystems 

Climate change is no longer a distant threat. Its effects are disrupting education, deepening inequality, and creating new challenges for young people and their communities. Schools can play an important role in building climate resilience, equipping adolescents and youths with the knowledge and skills to respond to these challenges. New research from the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and CARE Zimbabwe examines the climate education in Eastern and Southern Africa, finding that schools are trusted spaces for climate learning and that low-tech approaches such as climate clubs, school gardens, and play-based learning can help build resilience when paired with teacher support and community engagement. 

On October 26, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings will launch a new report, “Innovative approaches to climate education among adolescents and youths in Eastern and Southern Africa.” The report launch and discussion will explore what it will take to turn climate awareness into action across Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The panelists will discuss the policies needed to integrate climate education into national systems, how young people are leading climate initiatives, and the tools and training educators need to incorporate climate learning into the classroom.

Online viewers can submit questions via email to events@brookings.edu.