EU urges environmental sustainability to be at heart of education

16 / 01 / 2022

By Marwa Nassar - -

The EU Commission published today a proposal for a Council Recommendation on learning for environmental sustainability. The aim of the proposal is to support Member States, schools, higher education institutions, non-governmental organizations and all education providers in equipping learners with understanding and skills on sustainability, climate change and the environment.

A new European competence framework on sustainability published by the Joint Research Center maps out the competences needed for the green transition, including critical thinking, initiative-taking, respecting nature and understanding the impact everyday actions and decisions have on the environment and the global climate.

Vice-President for the Promoting European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “Youth participation has been revolutionising the way we look at climate and the environment. Through our youth programs, European Solidarity Corps and DiscoverEU, we promote the sustainability drive involving our youth. This is a step further in the work towards a better integration of sustainability in education.”

Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel said: “There is tremendous work being done right across Europe to help children, young people and adults learn about and engage with climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainability. Our goal is to build on these efforts and to work closely with Member States to place sustainability at the heart of education and training systems. All learners, from an early age need opportunities to understand and take action for environmental sustainability, to protect our planet and our future.”

The Commission’s proposal calls on Member States to provide learners of all ages access to high-quality and inclusive education and training on climate change, biodiversity and sustainability.

It also called for establishing learning for environmental sustainability as a priority area in education and training policies and program in order to support and enable the sector to contribute to the green transition.

It also called for encouraging and supporting whole-institution approaches to sustainability which encompass teaching and learning; developing visions, planning and governance; active involvement of students and staff; management of buildings and resources and partnerships with local and wider communities.

It also urged mobilizing national and EU funds for investment in sustainable and green infrastructure, training, tools and resources to increase resilience and preparedness of education and training for the green transition.

When asked in a Eurobarometer survey, what should be the top priorities for the EU in the years to come young people’s first reply was the protection of the environment and the fight against climate change (67%) followed by the improvement of education and training (56%).This shows how important it is to act.

The 2021-2027 Erasmus+ program also places a strong focus on the green transition in education and training. For the 2022 annual work program, priority will be given to projects developing green competences and skills, future-oriented curricula and planned approaches to sustainability by education providers.

A specific call for large-scale projects will provide funding to identify, develop and test innovative approaches to education for environmental sustainability. The Commission will also provide training opportunities and communities of practice for educators through School Education Gateway and eTwinning.

The new European Education Area Portal of the Commission allows for easy access to information on education and training in the EU, including specific information on green education.