Celebrating Climate Education's Central Role in Climate Action Across Europe

Major Step for Climate Action: A New Era of Education

On November 12, 2025, EARTHDAY.ORG, the global organizer behind Earth Day, announced its celebration of a pivotal policy change from the European Union. The EU has decided to incorporate climate education as a core element in the educational frameworks for students from kindergarten through grade 12, as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement. This move marks a crucial effort in equipping future generations to respond to climate change effectively.

Katarzyna Wrona, Director at the Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment, emphasized the significance of this integration, stating that it aims to empower students with green skills to combat misinformation about climate issues. Through collaboration with civil society organizations and public authorities, this development is seen as a collective achievement that strengthens climate literacy across the continent.

The Danish Presidency had formally submitted this new NDC to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) just days earlier, on November 5, 2025. By embracing climate education, the EU joins over 60 countries around the globe already implementing similar strategies. This commitment aids in establishing a universal standard in climate action.

Sigurd Krabbe, Denmark's Youth Delegate to the UN, articulated the importance of this initiative for young people across Europe, noting that enhanced green skills in curricula will prepare youth for competitive future job markets and reduce the influence of increasing climate misinformation. Highlights of this initiative stem from extensive advocacy efforts over the past decade by EARTHDAY.ORG.

The urgency for effective climate education has also been supported by educators like Dave Edwards, General Secretary of Education International. He declared that quality climate education is as vital as foundational subjects like reading and writing. With organizations advocating for more robust policies, they argue that funding for climate education must be prioritized to ensure educators empower students adequately for a just transition to a greener future.

According to the World Bank's recent studies, the demand for 'green skills' significantly surpasses current availability in the job market. Notably, the World Economic Forum reported a 22.4% increase in job postings requiring green skills between 2022 and 2023. Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG, pointed out that the forthcoming green transition is anticipated to generate over 100 million new jobs. Thus, education plays a crucial role in preparing workers for these emerging opportunities.

Moreover, the success in involving over 150 nations in integrating climate education into their NDCs demonstrates that this initiative is not just about addressing climate change; it's about linking education to economic possibilities and ensuring future job growth. Efrem Bycer from LinkedIn noted that this prioritization is key for an inclusive economic future while providing a framework for global economic growth.

As discussions gather momentum at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, nations emphasize the financing necessary for expanding climate education initiatives. For instance, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba from Kenya spoke about their commitment to embedding climate change knowledge into educational programs by 2030 and highlighted the need for global financial support to transition from planning to implementation.

In a world where previous generations learned about nature but not how to protect it, the current educational shifts are seen as transformative. Sharan Burrow, Vice Chair at the European Climate Foundation, expressed gratitude to governments for advocating this crucial curriculum, which ensures that future generations will be better informed about their environment.

To continuously monitor the progress in climate education integration, the EDO NDC Climate Education Tracker provides daily updates to keep stakeholders informed. The current agenda for engagement by on-ground teams during COP30 can be accessed through their official channels.

As EARTHDAY.ORG's efforts continue, its mission aligns with growing global needs for sustainable development and education. By fostering a world more attuned to climate realities, the organization emphasizes its commitment to nurturing an environmentally conscious generation. To learn more about their initiatives, visit www.earthday.org.