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Placing Children's Education at the Core of COP30 Discussions

As the world gears up for the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, the call to prioritize children’s education amid the ongoing climate crisis is more urgent than ever. Members of the Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies (EiE Hub), including prominent organizations like Education Cannot Wait (ECW), are advocating for a transformative focus on education to tackle the alarming impact of climate change on young learners.

The statistics are stark. Reports indicate that in 2024 alone, 242 million students internationally faced educational disruptions due to climate-related events. From pre-primary to upper secondary levels, the effects have been particularly devastating for the most vulnerable populations. Notably, heatwaves in May 2024 disrupted the learning of over 118 million children, highlighting a pressing need for action.

The Crisis and Its Implications

The climate crisis exposes children and youth to multiple threats, significantly undermining their right to education. Irrespective of geographical boundaries, climate-induced events such as extreme weather can damage schools, reduce teaching capacity, and compromise the general learning environment. Furthermore, these disruptions not only jeopardize academic success but also heighten exposure to risks such as violence and social instability, which can impede educational access.

Moreover, the intersection of climate change with existing inequalities hits the most marginalized groups hardest. Issues related to gender, displacement, disability, and socio-economic status further exacerbate these vulnerabilities, creating a situation where the children who need education the most are often the ones who attain it the least. Armed conflict, the ongoing effects of violence, loss of livelihoods, and other socio-economic struggles complicate the landscape for many young learners.

The Case for Education Investment

Despite its significance, education remains a sidelined topic in the realm of climate discussions. From 2006 to March 2023, a mere 2.4% of funding from major multilateral climate initiatives supported child-sensitive education programs. Moreover, during the cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 2.0), less than half of the proposals addressed the essential requirements of children. As the world addresses climate challenges, the necessity to include child-responsive actions in strategies is vital.

Education is not merely a tool for personal development; it empowers communities to react adeptly to climate issues. By rendering education systems more resilient to climate impacts, we can safeguard learning environments, foster continuity in education, and equip learners with the knowledge and skills to adapt to climate change. Investing in education has far-reaching economic benefits; every dollar spent can yield a remarkable $20 return in GDP.

A Call to Action

In view of the escalating climate crisis, immediate and decisive action is paramount. Leaders must ensure education is prioritized within national climate strategies, with a clear focus on funding and resources. The statement from key education stakeholders emphasizes:
1. Ensuring education is a fundamental component of national climate action strategies, including NDCs and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
2. Enhancing investments in education strategies that build climate resilience, particularly for communities grappling with climate impacts, conflict, and instability.
3. Incorporating education considerations in loss and damage frameworks, providing a comprehensive view of education in vulnerable contexts.
4. Elevating the voices of children and youth in climate policy through inclusive mechanisms in NDCs and plans.
5. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and integrating climate-related curriculums that empower educators and students.

The stakes are high. Without urgent intervention, millions of children risk losing their right to education due to the climate emergency, jeopardizing not only their futures but those of their communities. Educators, activists, and policymakers must unite in this mission, as the need for sustainable, resilient educational practices has never been clearer.

As COP30 approaches, the message is unequivocal: prioritizing children’s education within climate dialogue is not just beneficial; it is essential for nurturing a sustainable, equitable future for all.