The Role of Education in Building Resilience to Combat Climate Change

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Introduction

It is particularly important for island communities to focus on fighting climate change, as they are vulnerable in many ways. This has become increasingly apparent over the past few years, as the world has witnessed episodes of extreme weather events occurring all over the globe. Some of the ways to build the necessary resilience to cope with these events include the implementation of adaptation and mitigation measures. However, an even more fundamental aspect of building resilience lies in raising awareness about the reality of climate change in ourselves and future generations through education and outreach efforts.

The Impacts of Climate Change on Island Communities

One of the most startling and iconic images to emerge out of the COP26 Climate Change conference held in Glasgow last year, was the sight of Simon Kofe, the Foreign Minister of Tuvalu, standing knee deep in water as he addressed the conference at a site where there had once been land . For anyone who may previously had been in doubt, this image made it clear that effects of climate change are pervasive and undeniable for those who inhabit island communities. Kofe stated that the purpose of his message was to juxtapose the COP26 setting with the real-life situations faced in Tuvalu due to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, and highlight the bold action Tuvalu is taking to address the very pressing issues of human mobility under climate change.

Unfortunately rising sea levels are just a small part of the picture of the impact of climate change on island communities. According to the Yale School of the Environment, extreme weather events are occurring with increasing frequency, and are resulting in, among other things, flooding, the destruction of infrastructure, and mudslides. The human and economic toll taken by events like this are nothing short of devastating. Vulnerable segments of the population face displacement, and industries that drive economic development, such as the tourism industry, face increasing pressures. It must therefore be a priority for governments, the private sector, civil society and academia to come together to focus on meaningful solutions to the climate crisis.

Building Resilience in Island Communities

In addition to a multi-stakeholder approach, island communities must also focus on various levels of collaboration in order to effectively build resilience. The diagram above is an example of some of the aspects that must be considered, and demonstrates that it is best to be proactive and positive. For example, in the Cook Islands, work is constantly being undertaken to “build back better”, especially following the effects of Cyclone Pat in 2010. There are also examples of “anticipatory adaptation” being implemented in the region, which focuses on “anticipating” and reducing the impacts of future climate change.

Information is also available to show how buildings and community spaces can be constructed to increase resilience, particularly in developing countries, where there is a prevalence of self-built settlements. A UNEP report also demonstrates how combining ‘grey’ building solutions with ‘green’ nature-based solutions can have promising results.

The Role of SDG #4 in Island Resilience

Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) is the education goal which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

One aspect of this goal is to ensure that, by 2030, all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and nonviolence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. Climate change education is a fundamental aspect of this knowledge, and according to UNESCO, education is crucial to promote climate action. It helps people to better understand and address the impacts of the climate crisis, which empowers them with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to act as agents of change. In island communities, the presence of such agents of change can have a significant effect on communal feelings of hope and purpose in the face of climate change, making an indelible contribution to resilience.

Events such as the annual Virtual Island Summit, created by Island Innovation, provide a platform for multiple stakeholders to come together to discuss ways for islands to create and implement solutions based on educational awareness. Click here to watch last year’s session, “Developing a Broad and Sustainable Island Curriculum”, which explored different examples and approaches for schools and colleges on islands to develop a broad and sustainable curriculum rooted in the geography, history and heritage of their island setting.

We invite you to register for this year’s Virtual Island Summit to learn more about ways that education can help build resilience, and have a positive impact on the effects of climate change!

About the Author
One of the best things about working with Island Innovation is the opportunity to work with like-minded and supportive colleagues who facilitate each others’ efforts to fully implement the vision of Island Innovation. I truly believe that this vision will make this world a better place by enhancing the ability of island communities to operate collaboratively, and thereby become more sustainable and resilient. I am quite enthusiastic and driven, so it is wonderful to work with colleagues who match and encourage my enthusiasm and relentless positivity!
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