ESD-Net 2030 – On May 31st, the Unesco Learning Webinar welcomed over 300 participants as part of the four workshops on personal leadership for change, creative problem-solving, and play-based activities. The sessions were led by ESD partners: Soneva Namoona, the World’s Largest Lesson, Global Schools Program, and WWF Sweden/Kenya, who facilitated conversations and activities on a variety of pedagogical approaches for implementing ESD. You can watch the workshops here.
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Minding the GAP – Global Action Plan has recently published its new education and youth engagement strategy: Mobilising Generation Action. The strategy sets out how GAP is working with schools and young people to build momentum for education system change from the bottom up, and with politicians and campaigners to create change from the top down. The strategy will be formally launched in September with a full set of targets. GAP would love to hear our views and suggestions for how it can be further strengthened it. You can send your feedback directly to GAP’s Head of Education and Youth Engagement, Dr Morgan Phillips: morgan.phillips@globalactionplan.org.uk
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Commitment to Action – In July, representatives from 73 Member States members of Unesco’s Greening Education Partnership met to discuss how to effectively engage and accelerate country level action on climate change education through the 4 pillars of the Partnership, and also to prepare their participation in several events on greening education planned for this year’s COP28. Work plans and steps forward on the Greening Education Partnership’s four areas of action are underway (Greening Schools; Greening Curriculum; Greening Teacher Training and Education Systems’ Capacities; Greening Communities). Delegates met to discuss developing guidance for global standards, joint advocacy opportunities and possible activities for greening education. Here’s more on the Greening Education Partnership website.
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Bird Girl – Here’s a link to a Guardian review of Mya-Rose Craig’s autobiography and memoir: Birdgirl (Jonathan Cape £16.99).
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Ewurasi Nnadozie – Ewurasi is the Head of International, Communications and Events, in the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Unit (SCCU). She successfully led the Department’s international activities at COP26, including the first ever joint education and environment ministers’ summit at a COP, and the associated pledge campaign. Ewurasi has since developed DfE’s SCC international strategy and initiated a range of international partnerships to drive forward ambition and action around education and climate change.
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Agenda 2030 Winners – The winners of the 2023 UN SDG Action Awards were announced at a ceremony in Rome on 24thJuly during the UN Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment. It was hosted by the Government of Italy and the United Nations. Marina Ponti, Global Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, said: “The 2023 UN SDG Action Awards come as we approach the midpoint of Agenda 2030 — a critical crossroads in our journey towards a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future for all. Most importantly, they offer us an opportunity to honour and recognize the extraordinary individuals who are inspiring change and driving meaningful action for the SDGs.”
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UNECE Youth Task Force – The overall objective of the Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development of the UN’s Economic Commission for Europe – UNECE – is to equip people with knowledge of and skills in sustainable development, making them more competent and confident while at the same time increasing their opportunities for leading healthy and productive lifestyles in harmony with nature and with concern for social values, gender equity and cultural diversity. To further harness this unique role, governments of the UNECE region have discussed how to strengthen the meaningful participation of young people to help address sustainability challenges. Principal agreement has been reached to establish the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Youth Task Force on Education for Sustainable Development, pending the finalization of formal documents. The Task Force builds upon the work previously conducted by the ad-hoc group on youth linked to the ESD Steering Committee. More details, here.
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Nature Toolkit – A research team at the University of the West of England has researching parental perspectives on nature connections during times of multiple crises. Its findings have led to the creation of an Alternative Nature-Based Toolkit that was co-developed with parents/guardians. The toolkit was developed in direct response to the various barriers that parents feel hinder their ability to provide their children with nature-based experiences. It offers a research informed perspective to exploring nature in all places including in the city, the home and on commutes, making it accessible to all children. The aim of the toolkit is to provide as many children as possible with nature-based activities regardless of place, privilege or circumstance, empowering parents and guardians to connect their children with nature right where they are. The toolkit and added glossary pages are available here.
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Is it Really Hotter – Darrell Kaufman, a climate scientist from Northern Arizona University explains in a The Conversationarticle how ongoing global warming compares with ancient temperatures.
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EuroBioBlitz – This is a Europe-wide wildlife recording event taking place on the 29th and 30th of September. Anyone across the continent can support ecological research by uploading photos of their local wildlife to the iNaturalist app. To receive free information, guidance, and resources click here.
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Renewable UK – This is a membership organisation for those building the UK’s energy system, powered by clean electricity. There are 400 member companies.
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Li-ion – The UK now has its first, dedicated battery recycling plant. It’s the Wolverhampton-based Recyclus facility. Details here.
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Polluters Beware – DEFRA has proposed new laws to lift a cap on the fines that can be levied on polluters across the United Kingdom. The UK has one of the worst environmental track records in Europe, with most rivers throughout the country polluted by farming and sewage runoff. Statutory bodies charged with regulatory enforcement have previously been limited by how much they can fine offenders, with a maximum cap set at £250,000 for any one fine. This has meant that many of the worst polluters throughout the UK have simply incorporated these fines into the cost of doing business. The Environment Agency and Natural England will now be able to fine polluters more quickly and fine them higher amounts than they could previously. The amendments to legislation will need to be approved by both Houses of Parliament before coming into force at some unknown point in the future.