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Thanks for opening our first newsletter for 2024. The team behind the Aotearoa Climate Education Coalition (ACEC) has continued to gather articles and profile opportunities and events we think you should know about.

In this update we cover:

• Education commitments and children’s rights at COP28

• NIWA Township Flood Challenge game

• MfE is seeking Climate Change Youth Advisory panellists

• Street Art: Children’s Voices and Climate Action

• Opportunity for Christchurch Schools and Youth Groups to attend SailGP Climate Education Lessons

• PPTA Teachers’ Environmental Action Conference Hui (TEACH) 27-28 April

ACEC represents a broad group of individuals and organisations working across climate change education. Please get in touch if you would like to find out more or make sure we are connecting with your networks.

Education in focus at COP28:

At COP28, over 40 countries endorsed a climate and education declaration committing to actions to adapt, mitigate and invest in tackling climate change through education. The UK is one of the first jurisdictions to have developed a sustainability and climate change strategy for education. Their vision is to be “the world-leading education sector” in sustainability and climate change in 2030, with a focus on nature connections, biodiversity, climate resilience, net zero buildings, and green/sustainability careers. However, the UK strategy does not seem to mention climate and environmental justice or systems change. 

Another COP-related space to watch is the Greening Education Partnership, “a global initiative that takes a whole-of-system approach to support countries to tackle climate crisis by harnessing the critical role of education”. The Greening Education Partnership is structured around four key pillars of transformative education: Greening schools, Greening curriculum, Greening teacher training and education systems’ capacities, and Greening communities.  The GEP reportedly now exceeds 80 UN member state countries and one thousand organisations, and convened its first annual meeting at COP28.

While it is wonderful to see growing global recognition around education’s key role in climate transitions, we know that action is what counts.

ACEC will continue to urge New Zealand’s government to make climate education a visible priority and commitment, both in global forums but more importantly through sustained local and national action. 

Children’s rights discussion at COP28

There was a clear recognition that children’s rights are not just impacted by climate breakdown, but that they should be a part of the solutions. CRIN’s Climate Advisers drafted an open letter to COP28 delegates calling for the inclusion of children as more than a symbolic gesture, but as an acknowledgement of their rights and a recognition of the intergenerational impact of climate decisions. Two Advisers present at COP shared their thoughts on the outcome.

NIWA Township Flood Challenge

An online game and learning resource 

If you knew your home, marae, or township was at risk of flooding in extreme weather, what decisions could you make to plan and prepare for the future?

Township Flood Challenge is an online climate change and extreme weather adaptation resource for teachers.

The lessons are centred around playing NIWA's river flooding serious game titled Township Flood Challenge. The four lesson supports will help teachers and students unpack deeper complexity and nuance to the gameplay experience, exploring knowledge about climate change, adaptation choices, wellbeing, values and decision-making. 

NIWA welcomes feedback - email enquiries@niwa.co.nz.

Ministry for the Environment

Seeking Climate Change Youth Advisory Panelists

Are you, or do you know a young person who has things to say about climate change? The Ministry for the Environment is looking for young people aged 18 – 24 years to join a climate-focused Youth Advisory Group during 2024.

• The Youth Advisory Group will have 10-12 members

• This is a part-time paid position. Workshops will be held in Wellington in March and July and the group will be required to attend both two-day sessions in person. The group will also meet regularly online throughout the year.

• Young people with an interest in climate change issues can either apply or be nominated to join the group.

More information can be found here.

Street Art: Children’s Voices and Climate Action

Many ākonga and their kaiako have shared the need and want for climate change education (CCE). This includes a CCE approach that is integrated and involves connecting with nature, immersing in the sciences, and expressing their thoughts and ideas through the Arts.

I love it when I am surrounded by nature. I love to swim in the ocean, rivers.

I love to play and observe trees and wildlife.

But I will NEVER be happy if we keep on making this climate mistake!” 

– Yr. 8 student, Lyttelton Primary

The Arts play an important role when learning about and responding to climate change. Not only do they provide a creative avenue to share the causes, impacts and solutions, but they also play an important role in improving wellbeing and strengthening children’s connection to place and nature (Wilson, 2011).

Research has shown that the Arts support children and young people to process and recover from (actual and perceived) traumatic events and can facilitate wellbeing. Arts-based activities are particularly helpful for those who struggle to express themselves verbally (Mutch & Latai, 2019).

During 2023, NZAEE shared a spotlight on climate change street art, planned and painted by children and young people from Ōtautahi. Since the spotlight was first shared, all the murals have been completed. Follow this link and be inspired by the children’s art and messages.

Christchurch Schools and Youth Groups invited to SailGP Climate Education Lessons

Christchurch is gearing up for the excitement of the SailGP championship taking place on the 23-24th March. Beyond the thrills of high-speed sailing, there's an exceptional opportunity for local schools to engage in meaningful climate action with the Emirates GBR SailGP Team. 

Working with the team's Purpose Partner Protect Our Future, the Emirates GBR SailGP Team is extending a special invitation to local Christchurch schools and youth groups. Together, they use the inspiration of athletes and the global community of sport to empower young people with the knowledge to take climate action and drive behavioural change. So far 815 young people have attended the Emirates GBR tent to attend lessons and make climate pledges all around the world. The session also includes an exclusive tour of the team tent to see other sustainability efforts, meet some athletes and see the F50 boat up close.

Here is a video to show the team’s work .

Through engaging workshops held in the lead-up to the SailGP event, students will delve into sustainability topics, guided by dedicated educators. They'll learn about the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and discover practical ways to protect our planet.

DATES: The lessons will take place in the lead-up to the racing event, from Wednesday 20th to Friday 22nd March 

DURATION: The session lasts about 2 hours in total including the lesson and the tent tour.

TIMING: Sessions run between 10 am and 6 pm, with flexibility to accommodate different schedules.

REQUIREMENTS: Children only need to bring themselves, and guardians are required to sign a safety waiver.

This unique opportunity combines the thrill of world-class sailing with valuable lessons in sustainability. Contact lkeller@emiratesgbrsailgp.com now to discuss your school's spot.

Teachers’ Environmental Action Conference Hui

27-28 April

The inaugural Teachers’ Environmental Action Conference/Hui (TEACH) will be hosted by PPTA Te Wehengarua on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April, 2024 at the Brentwood Hotel, Kilbirnie, Wellington.  This is an opportunity for climate educators from across the education sector to hear from experts in the field and create resources for use in Aotearoa NZ and across the Pacific. Numbers will be limited for this first gathering. 

Expressions of interest in attending the limited attendance event are now open.

Save the Date: Friday 5th April

Plans are underway for intergenerational school strike for climate events on Friday 5th April. Keep an eye out on Social Media and our next newsletter for more details.

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