UNESCO-JAPAN Prize – A call for nominations has been issued for the 2023 UNESCO-Japan Prize in Education for Sustainable Development. The three Prize winners are selected by the Director-General of UNESCO on the recommendation of an expert panel. Winners will receive USD 50,000 each and will be invited to establish a long-term collaboration with UNESCO by joining the ESD for 2030 Global Network (ESD-Net). The deadline for application is April 21st.
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Transforming Education – The UN’s World’s Largest Lesson asked students aged 7-18 years old from around the world to share their views and ideas about education and how they think it should be transformed. The Report is here.
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UN YouTube – UNESCO has launched an ESD promotional video explaining the role of ESD and the need to transform education in order to empower learners with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will help us respond to global challenges. It’s here.
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Teacher Education for Sustainability – A new report reviews documents research and good practice in relation to effective teacher education for sustainability across Europe; with the purpose of informing policy decision-making and frameworks in this area. This report is accompanied by case studies, an executive summary and a policy brief. RCE Scotland has the details.
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Circular Education – A session at the UNU’s 14th International Conference on Environmental and Rural Development discussed the role of education, multi-stakeholder partnerships and community engagement in addressing local-level environmental problems. It focused on the promotion and practice of the circular economy model. More details here.
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Good Reception – Teach the Future (Scotland) brought together 100 students, educators, representatives from education, youth and climate focused organisations, MSPs and councillors to facilitate collaboration on climate education. This parliamentary reception was hosted by Ross Greer MSP. Inputs highlighted the progress made so far on climate and sustainability education in Scotland but why we still need to go further and faster. You can read about the event on the TTF blog or view the live Twitter thread from Scottish Young Greens.
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NAAEE 2023 Conference – In North America, NAAEE is looking for compelling conference proposals that advance justice, equity, and inclusion, inform environmental educators about proven practices, push the leading edge of the profession, and motivate the pursuit of excellence. It welcomes submissions from around the world. Please apply by May 5th .
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Inspire & Connect – The UN SDG Action Campaign is looking for initiatives that mobilize, inspire and connect people to drive positive change. Could you be a winner? The deadline is April 30th .
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Green Book – The latest Green House Think Tank newsletter is now available. In this, John Foster reviews Rupert Reed’s latest book. Green House has recently endorsed the new Moderate Flank initiative whose purpose is to catalyse the coming move towards mainstream climate action.
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Green Day – Last week, the government announced new policies on carbon capture and storage (£20bn investment), tighter EV targets, carbon border taxes to ensure we’re not undercut by more polluting countries, and a consultation on new wind and solar planning rules. Carbon Brief has an extensive guide to the announcements.
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Rewild Podcast – Launched in January, the Rewild Podcast is a collaboration between photographer and filmmaker James Shooter and Rewilding Europe. The podcast will feature stories from travels around Europe, shining a light on the people and initiatives working to rewild the continent. January’s episode featured stories from the Affric Highlands initiative to restore and expand the ancient Caledonian Forest, and this month the focus has been on Seawilding on the shores of Loch Craignish, where a community has come together to help restore their marine environment. You can listen here.
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City Nature – The West of England’s City Nature Challenge [ Friday 28 April – Monday 1 May ] programme of events is published. Here are useful links:
Get involved in local activities for City Nature Challenge
Why take part in the challenge?
Free iNaturalist training!
How do I take part this year?
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Restoration – Lynx died out in Britain more than 1,000 years ago, but could the species restore natural ecosystems? Research by the Vincent Wildlife Trust and the University of Exeter investigated the views of farmers, land managers and conservationists. Lead author David Bail said to ENN: “Our results show that views in Scotland about potential future lynx reintroduction are far more diverse, nuanced and complex than might have been assumed”. You can read more c/o the University of Exeter.
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Moth of the Month – The orange underwing is one of the earliest day-flying moths to appear in spring, taking to the wing on sunny days in March and April. Their caterpillars feed on birch trees, so they’re found on woodland edges, in sunny clearings, and in scrubby areas or heathlands with patches of birch. The moths often flutter around the very tops of the birch trees, though they do come down to the ground to drink and bask. More detail from Wildlife Watch.