Innovative NDC Tracker Launched by EARTHDAY.ORG to Monitor Climate Education Globally
On December 9, 2024, EARTHDAY.ORG, a leading advocate for environmental awareness, made a noteworthy announcement. They unveiled an innovative tool known as the climate education NDC Tracker. This pioneering tracker is designed to assess and monitor climate education within the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) established by the 194 parties involved in the Paris Climate Agreement from 2015.
The NDC Tracker offers a free, user-friendly resource intended for various stakeholders—including journalists, educators, governmental entities, and NGOs—facilitating their ability to evaluate how nations are incorporating climate education into their climate action frameworks. By organizing data into four distinct categories, the tracker allows users to easily identify which countries emphasize climate education in their educational systems and which nations lag in this vital area.
Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG, highlighted the significance of this tracker, stating, "Industry leaders, educators, parents, and students are all advocating for the inclusion of climate education in national climate action plans. Clear data shows that addressing this is crucial for equipping future generations with the necessary skills for a green economy."
Supporting this initiative is an accelerating demand for green talent, with recent research revealing that the hiring rate for these roles is 54.6% higher than average, indicating a substantial market opportunity for those trained in environmental sustainability. Efrem Bycer, from LinkedIn’s Public Policy division, emphasized the urgent need for skilled workers in combating climate challenges, reflecting a growing job market for those equipped with green knowledge.
Updated daily, the NDC Tracker seeks to become a critical resource for policymakers and climate advocates aiming to ensure that climate education is pivotal in every nation's commitment to the Paris Agreement. Dennis Nolasco, an Education Specialist at EARTHDAY.ORG, voiced optimism regarding future developments, indicating the organization’s goal of elevating more nations into a top category of commitment toward integrating climate education.
In collaboration with countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cambodia, EARTHDAY.ORG aims to catalyze international funding for climate education initiatives. As they prepare for Earth Day 2025, the organization seeks to broaden the conversation surrounding climate education, aiming to unite business demands with environmental goals.
As environmental challenges become increasingly urgent, the NDC Tracker stands as a vital instrument providing transparency and engagement in climate education. Bryce Coon, Director of Climate Education Initiatives at EARTHDAY.ORG, stated, "Every journalist focusing on the global economy, education, and climate crisis should spotlight climate education, a crucial topic bridging business needs with environmental responsibilities."
EARTHDAY.ORG, which played a key role in establishing the first Earth Day observance in 1970, continues to lead on environmental advocacy, mobilizing over a billion participants globally. Their mission centers on diversifying, educating, and activating the environmental community worldwide, engaging more than 150,000 partners in almost 192 countries in environmental democracy efforts. For those interested, further resources, including the "Our Power, Our Planet Toolkit," will be made available in January 2025, underscoring EARTHDAY.ORG’s commitment to enhancing global climate education efforts.