Education systems globally must prepare future generations to live and thrive in a changing world. In lower-income countries, least responsible for climate change but most vulnerable to its impacts, this challenge is more immediate.

Floods, drought, increased incidence of diseases and excessive temperatures can lead to school closures, student absenteeism, weaker physical and cognitive development, compounding the existing learning crisis.

Education is essential to promote climate action, and children and young people worldwide have a key role to play in response to climate change. We need to hone their ability to take leadership and contribute to address climate change issues, while strengthening research and knowledge to accelerate the adaptation of education systems to climate change.

This series of blogs features views from experts and youth leaders on the essential role of education to address climate change, and how to help countries build climate-smart education systems.