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Welcome to the August edition of Net Zero Times, a special edition dedicated to Climate Education.
In this edition, we delve into impactful conversations with thought leaders in the realm of climate education. David Santi, a key leader behind the school, shares how Mohawk is redefining climate education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Mark Wilhelm shares insights on Arizona State University's innovative approaches to climate education, showcasing a success story that has influenced students and communities alike. Phill Aslop discusses his collaborative efforts with the United Nations and the UK, emphasizing the global partnerships necessary for effective climate action. Additionally, Don Haas outlines his journey in developing teacher-friendly climate action resources, empowering educators to educate and inspire the next generation. Jackie Duarte from CASIS highlights the critical connection between capability and resilience, underscoring how enhancing skills and knowledge can prepare individuals and communities to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Additional education features from: Peel DSB, TDSB-OISE, and Humber College.
Together, these voices illustrate the multifaceted nature of climate education and its vital importance in fostering a sustainable future.
If you have stories, events or information to share with our readers about new technologies or strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or lessons learned on the path to net zero, please reach out to us at mcresswell@thomascoleinc.com.
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Survey: Only four per cent of Canadians give schools an ‘A’ on climate education – students deserve better
Only nine per cent of Canadian students learn about climate change often in school, while 42 per cent say it’s rarely or never discussed in the classroom.
These are some of the concerning findings from the new 2025 national survey at the nonprofit Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF), where I serve as a research consultant. Our team surveyed over 4,200 people, including students, educators, parents and the general public.
The report, called “From Awareness to Action: Canadians’ Views on Climate Change and Education,” reveals a widening gap between public concern and the education system’s lack of response.
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Don Haas: Pioneering Teacher Friendly Climate Education for Today's Students
In this special edition of Net Zero Times, we explore the critical world of climate education with Climate Educator leaders like Don Haas, a dedicated educator and climate advocate from the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI).
With decades of experience in teaching and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, Don shares insights into the evolution of climate education, its core principles, and the urgent need for action-oriented learning.
| | Most of our resources have been developed with federal funding, mostly from the National Science Foundation. We've also received funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Energy. As you know, federal funding in the US for this kind of work has been drastically reduced. We'd be glad to explore partnerships across the border. I'll also note that I once served as the international representative on NSERC's Promoscience committee (from 2014 to 2016), so I do have some familiarity with some sources of funding. - Don Haas | | |
The Center for Climate Change Education at PRI
We provide high-quality resources and programs for teachers, students, and the general public.
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Humber College offers a FREE Online Climate Course
Whether you're climate caring or a climate warrior, Humber's free open learning An Introduction to Climate Action course lets you show up for the planet in your own way.
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Learning Earth, our educator newsletter!
We provide high-quality resources and programs for teachers, students, and the general public.
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Scientists Explore How Best to Communicate About Climate Change
“It is, in my view, essential to always remain true to the scientific evidence, but what the scientific evidence is showing us is frankly terrifying.”
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We need to support climate change education because it works!
If that majority is rightly concerned, then we know that climate change education works for at least some of the people some of the time. This is a call to support climate education.
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Science in the Virtual & Actual Pub
Science in the Virtual & Actual Pub is a twice monthly program where you can grab a drink and engage in some friendly science!
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TDSB/OISE Collaboration in Climate Change Education
Since 2017, OISE has been working closely with the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) Sustainability Office to centre education's role in addressing the climate crisis. This school board-university collaboration, now focused on Climate Change Education (CCE), integrates year-round professional learning for inservice educators in the TDSB (those already working in classrooms) with that of preservice educators (those training to be teachers). Through a rich series of webinars, workshops, talks, conferences, EcoFairs, and an ongoing Action Research team, this collaboration aims to cultivate promising practices in CCE across K-12 schools in the TDSB.
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🌟Nic Raytek🌟
Nic Raytek wasn’t expecting her internship at a think tank to upend her worldview. But as she sifted through data on global emissions, she recalls, “It was clear that reaching 1.5°C wasn’t going to happen.” That sparked a deep climate anxiety that stayed with her – until she found a way to channel it into action. “I decided that by pursuing a career in sustainability, I could actively shape a more certain, sustainable future for all.” Now, as senior manager of sustainable programs at GLOBE (Global Opportunities for Business and the Environment) Series, Raytek is steering the conversation on sustainability at the highest levels. Whether through her programming at GLOBE Forum in Vancouver, GLOBExCHANGE in Toronto or helping with global events like the Canada pavilion of COP27, COP28 and soon COP29, thousands of leaders and innovators have walked away from her programs armed with the connections and insights to drive change.
Source: corporateknights.com
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Comprehensive Emissions Tracking Tool
We use satellites, other remote sensing techniques, and artificial intelligence to deliver a detailed look at global emissions that gets even better over time in this interactive tool.
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Educator Wellbeing: Connecting Teacher Wellness with Outdoor Learning
Dr. Kendrick is currently the Director of Field Experience at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. She was a K-12 classroom teacher for nineteen years specializing in Physical Education, English and Language Arts.
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Kids vs. Plastic
An extension of National Geographic, this online resource is a useful way to start teaching children ages 8+ about the impacts of single-use plastics. From plastic reduction tips to crafts and DIY videos, there are plenty of hands-on activities
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Sustainability and Capability: A Unified Approach for Future Resilience
The term "sustainability" holds various meanings for different stakeholders and is applied in diverse contexts. While some individuals dispute scientific consensus on climate change and its implications for our future sustainability, others who acknowledge the need for decarbonization often grapple with limited financial resources, leading them to delay addressing these critical needs.
At CASIS, we emphasize the importance of a shared understanding of sustainability. We facilitate this alignment through education and by integrating tools and processes that promote the economic and financial viability of investments over their lifecycle, including servicing, maintenance, and renewal.
Our educational initiatives aim to instill a consensus among leaders across public and private institutions and businesses, regardless of industry or location, on the imperative to protect and enhance their "Capability," which refers to their core reason for existence. Safeguarding and enhancing operational Capability is essential for achieving long-term viability. Given that buildings and the broader built environment significantly influence an organization’s ability to fulfill its core capabilities, it is crucial to prioritize their maintenance and decarbonization. Not only does decarbonizing buildings yield financial savings, but it also opens avenues for generating energy-related revenue that can offset other operational costs. For instance, many schools operate at a deficit; thus, regardless of their stance on decarbonization, the focus must be on achieving savings and identifying revenue-generating opportunities to sustain future operations. While "bailouts" may offer immediate relief, they do not address underlying issues.
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Waste Audit Toolkit
Not only will a waste audit help you gain a better understanding of where your organization currently is in terms of waste management, but it will also help you clearly see opportunities for efficiencies and improvements – both for the environment and your bottom line.
The audit involves collecting, measuring and monitoring all waste for three consecutive days as well as taking a look at other practices such as waste hauling schedules and bin placement. The information gathered will help determine your current diversion rate and identify areas for improvement. You’ll find everything you need to conduct your waste audit in the following PDF, and of course, if you have any questions, we’re always happy to help.
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