On 25th September, the UN will announce its Global Goals for Sustainable Development [SDGs], that aim to make our planet fair, healthy and sustainable by 2030. The ambition of The World’s Largest Lesson (beginning 27th September) is that children across the world will learn about these goals and began to contribute to their achievement. For schools, it’s…
A new publication, ‘Not Just Hot Air – Putting Climate Change Education into Practice’, presents UNESCO’s recent work in supporting education policy-makers and teacher educators to act on climate change. It includes national case studies on UNESCO country pilots in the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Mauritius, Tuvalu and South Africa, making accessible results and lessons learned. …
What has nature ever done for us? is the title of a well-received book by Tony Juniper which was published in 2013 by Profile Books? As the blurb says: “… nature provides the ‘natural services’ that keep the economy going. From the recycling miracles in the soil; an army of predators ridding us of unwanted pests;…
The Guardian is reporting a NASA study which says that sea levels worldwide have risen by an average of almost 8cm since 1992 because of warming waters and melting ice. In 2013, the IPCC predicted sea levels would rise from between 0.3 and 0.9m by the end of the century, but this new research suggests that the…
Cycle to Work Day is on September 3rd this year. Will you be joining in this national event supported by Denise van Outen and Cyclescheme? It aims to encourage everyone to cycle to work. The hope is, of course, that you might do it more than once a year.
The Guardian has an article that sets out to help new primary school teachers: “a few pointers to help you make the most of it.” There are 10 points made which range from: No. 1 – get to know parents, to No. 10 – let go. As might be expected, most are sensible and well-grounded in…
So begins Simon Barnes’ article in the Guardian about the experiences he and his son, Eddie, had outdoors encouraged by the Wildlife Trust’s Wild June idea. Barnes went on: “The Trusts had plenty of ideas for stolen wild moments, but Eddie and I had quite a few as well. Making a bit of a project of…
Resources for Rethinking provides access to lesson plans, curriculum units and other teaching resources that integrate environmental, social and economic spheres through learning that is interdisciplinary and action oriented. Each resource is reviewed by experienced classroom teachers and matched to relevant curriculum outcomes for all Canadian provinces and territories. Whether that means they’re ok for the UK…
What is the purpose of education? asks UNESCO in a new book to stimulate the discussion on the role of learning and education in the 21st century. The book, Rethinking education – towards a global common good? was released at the World Education Forum 2015 in Incheon, South Korea, and is part of the policy debate and negotiations…
Simon Fearnehough, founder and CEO of the Hideout House Company, which specializes in developing products for schools to help foster environmental awareness and sustainable thinking, contributes today’s blog post. Simon writes: If we are going to make any significant difference to help ease the burden on our planet’s resources, then awareness about environmental issues and…
Jennifer Allen, writes about the work of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF). The Forum is part of the Sustainable Pembrokeshire Environmental Education Link group (SPEEL) that was established in 2002 as a platform for ideas and practical discussion on how to positively promote and combine environmental education and sustainable development in Pembrokeshire. By taking a holistic and bespoke approach to sustainable management of the coast,…
In a recent Wildlife Trusts blog, Stephen Trotter (the Wildlife Trusts’ Director, England) looks at some of the problems facing birds of prey and habitats in the uplands of England. His post begins: “I’ve read with sadness and exasperation the reports of disappearing male hen harriers this spring and summer. Four male harriers have been reported…