Climate Education Must Begin in Schools to Bring Real Change
Efforts to save the Earth from climate change will only succeed when every individual actively participates. A major step toward this is integrating climate education into school curricula, so that young people grow up aware and responsible toward the environment, experts suggest.
Karuna Singh, Regional Director (Asia) of EarthDay.org, emphasized that including environmental conservation in education builds eco-conscious values among youth. She stated that this approach empowers children to act as future environmental leaders. Singh stressed the importance of environmental actions being embedded in the education system as early as possible to ensure long-term behavioral change.
Broader Impact of Climate Awareness
Climate change affects every aspect of life—from agriculture to water resources, and even human health. With issues like plastic pollution, renewable energy, and extreme weather events, it’s crucial to teach students how their daily activities contribute to climate change and what solutions are available.
Environmental scientist Professor Chetan Singh Solanki, known for the “Energy Swaraj” movement, advocates for preparing the next generation through school programs. Teaching energy conservation, solar technology, and sustainable living habits is key.
Industry and Policy Support Needed
The industry also has a vital role. Rather than just increasing production, manufacturers should promote energy-efficient technologies, and the government should support such efforts. For example, solar panel installations, LED lighting, and energy-saving appliances should be encouraged at both household and institutional levels.
The government should also expand awareness through community-level outreach, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and rural initiatives. EarthDay.org suggests that energy-saving habits like setting air conditioners to 24°C and switching to solar power can be highly effective.
Large temples such as Shirdi’s Sai Baba Temple and Tirupati Temple already serve as examples, using solar energy to power services for lakhs of devotees.
