Waqas Abdullah

On the last Sunday I had an opportunity to share some words in the platform of the International National Global Network, speaking on one of the most vital topics – climate. The discussion highlighted two essential aspects of this cause: outreach programs organized to educating the local communities and youth awareness campaigns using schools.

If anything, the number of people across the world even in the so called developing and developed countries remains in denial when it comes to climate change. New polls revealed that up to a third of people in developed countries and over a half in some developing areas either dismiss or are not aware of climate change. This situation poses a major problem to the fight against climate change because disinformation has become almost the norm.

 The first way to overcome this challenge is to ensure that there is good information available to the public and then directly interact with the communities. It is therefore imperative for the various advocacy groups to engage themselves in local grassroots within given societies as they facilitate the generation of information and engagement with others that helps to shed light on any misconceptions. Research has revealed that when individuals are communicated to face to face their likelihood to believe in climate science doubles. These engagements can assist for people comprehend specifics of the climate change affecting their lives as elevated food prices, more frequent natural disasters or diminished species diversity.

Thus, the second area of focus is education in schools. Children must be aware that they need to protect the planet, and at the same time, they have to be ready with basic knowledge about climate change. Research done by UNESCO has shown that less than 40% of curricula around the world address climate change. Using campaign activities and use of simulations and hands-on activities of various projects we can ensure that children develop awareness and even become climate champions. These actions may take us further to fulfilling the 30 percent needed global climate consciousness, a firm platform for the action plans. As for Carroll’s second step, the solution to the problem will not come from awareness alone. While all the various social media campaigns are helpful, they still need to be backed up by real actions. Face-to-face campaigns and understanding policy makers and other key stakeholder’s relationships with the general public directly are crucial.

This study proves that the positive impact on trust on actions taken on climate by government is likely to rise by between 20-30% if the citizens have direct access to a government-endorsed reliable source of information. This approach not only ensures flow of information between communities and policymakers but also ensures that everybody including the government knows what is going on in the climatic front.

the loss of such important structures due to disinterest and disregard in climate problems. The task of rebuilding a society and taking steps that will protect our planet for generations to come now falls on our generation. Climate education is not an option it should be a right to be enjoyed by every person on this planet. Education systems all over the world are still poor prepared for preparing the younger generation with the right approach to the issue of climate change, as pointed by Alexia Leclercq. It is awful and completely unfair that there is no serious preparation for the situation at hand, that the mechanisms for coping with such a situation.

Education for sustainability needs to be more than just a series of lessons taught in science classrooms. To the above list, we should also add history, civics, and arts classes so that the students could get acquainted with the climate change question. Students attending schools need to be ready to study how climate issues originated and what happens due to them, as well as manage their anxiety related to it, as well as actively engage in solving environmental issues. They claim that when people understand climate issues and their political and social contexts, they are more likely to do something. Joint operation is important. Because culture and values are so ingrained in Aboriginal communities, and because governments and institutions are an integral part of the societies, building partnerships can be the first step towards positive action. Preparatory steps, which include internships, leadership programs for youth climate champions can bind the next generation influential leaders. Such programs foster higher levels of participation, prompt systemic change and also help address the global climate challenge.

The time for discussion and hesitation has passed. Now is the moment to act decisively. Education, awareness, and collaboration are powerful tools in combating this existential threat. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations. They deserve nothing less than a unified, decisive approach to secure a sustainable and equitable future.

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Himalayan Research Institute Pakistan - (THRIP)

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Waqas Abdullah is a geopolitical and strategic analyst with a special focus on Indo-Pacific politics, power patterns, and the Middle Eastern region. He has a deep interest in the comparative analysis of great powers and emerging powers. Waqas is a member of several prominent organizations, including GCCF, IGN, SEFAS, ECOWAS, the Creative Society, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He is actively engaged in addressing issues related to climate refugees, displaced people, and climate advocacy, working to raise awareness and drive action on these critical global challenges. He can be reached at: [email protected]