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The Stone Soup Leadership Institute’s Response to World Bank’s Report
CHOOSING OUR FUTURE: Education for Climate Action
The Stone Soup Leadership Institute launched its Climate Education Teacher Training in response to the World Bank's report, "CHOOSING OUR FUTURE: Education for Climate Action." This report's findings emphasize the crucial role of educators to address climate change, empower young people, and build a sustainable workforce.
"Education is the single strongest predictor of climate change awareness. It can play a catalytic role in climate change mitigation and adaptation by reshaping mindsets, behaviors, skills, and innovation." (CHOOSING OUR FUTURE: Education for Climate Action, p.5 ).
Held in conjunction with MASS STEM week, the Institute’s training was developed in partnership with Salem State University. "On behalf of our faculty and staff members, we're honored to host the Stone Soup Leadership Institute for this powerful professional development opportunity. Our STEM educators today are critical to the state's future as they build up a new generation of leaders. It's this generation who will join us in confronting the challenges unearthed by the climate crisis tomorrow," said the University’s President John Keenan.
For 28 years, The Institute has boldly pioneered a disruptive education initiative to empower the next generation with the tools they need – from climate education to sustainable career pathways – to become leaders of a more sustainable world. The Stone Soup Climate Education Curriculum equips them to empower the next generation to tackle the climate challenges ahead—for free.
The Institute is further highlighting the World Bank report’s 7 key takeaways and how they support proliferation.
1. Education is the Foundation of Climate Action—We Must Act Now
Last month sailors, global leaders, U.N. delegates, business and education leaders came together for the Cronkite Awards for Ocean Champions in conjunction with Climate Week New York City. We launched the Institute’s Cronkite Oceans Initiative to honor Walter Cronkite’s legacy and call on global leaders to support the proliferation of climate education to develop the next generation of climate leaders.
2. We're Failing to Equip Teachers—And They're Our Frontline in the
Climate Fight
The Institute’s 2023 Climate Report surveyed teachers around the world – 71% indicate they are missing the tools and training they need to bring climate education to their classrooms. The Institute’s Stone Soup Climate Education Curriculum and Teacher Training Modules, empower educators to seamlessly integrate climate education into all subjects. This training is aligned with NGSS and U.N. SDGs, making it a key resource for teachers who want to build their capacity to teach climate topics. Read more here.
3. Youth Are Frightened for Their Future—They Need to Learn Solutions to the Climate Crisis
Climate anxiety is affecting 79% of young people who fear for their future due to climate change, since they lack the knowledge and tools to act. The Institute’s Stone Soup Climate Education Curriculum offers real-world case studies of youth leaders from 38 countries who are making strides to combat climate change. These stories are designed to inspire students, foster engagement and empower them to discover how they can become climate leaders in their communities. Learn more here.
4. Climate Change Is Shutting Down Schools—And Education Systems Are Challenged
Climate-related school closures are becoming more common, especially in developing countries. Over 45 school days per year are lost in these regions due to extreme weather events. The Institute’s Stone Soup Climate Education Platform offers teachers and their students an online portal to continue their education regardless of local climate issues while building climate resilience by inspiring students to address local climate challenges.
5. Green Skills Are the Key to the Green Economy—We Need to Prepare Students & Workers Now
The green transition will require ~100 million new jobs globally. We’re woefully behind in preparing enough workers for these roles. The Institute develops customized Sustainable Career Pathways through its workforce development programs that guide high school students to discover how to pursue green jobs and be sustainability practitioners to address the global skills gap for the green economy.
6. Green Jobs Aren't Just for Engineers—We Need Everyone
Green skills are needed across all sectors, not just in technical jobs or STEM fields. Green transitions will affect industries ranging from food services to creative industries. The Institute’s Stone Soup Climate Education Platform takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach to climate education, offering students from all backgrounds the opportunity to develop the skills they need to contribute to the green economy.
7. Climate Education is for Everyone – Its Urgently Needed Now to Respond to the Climate Crisis
Education can drive pro-climate behaviors for everyone. The Stone Soup Climate Education Curriculum offers real-world stories that translates climate education into community-level action. The Institute uses engaging storytelling and thoughtful case studies of young climate leaders and their communities. They inspire students and their families to take immediate action. Learn more here.
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