My Climate Path as the Backup of Learning for Sustainability

Climate change should not be an uncomfortable topic. While the news of frequent occurrences of extreme weather can be depressing, it is not what we want to bring into the classrooms. Learning for sustainability (LfS) puts environmental education at the core of the education framework. It calls for an interdisciplinary educational approach with the vision not only for a better Scotland but a better world.

Scottish Government has recently refreshed the national LfS Action Plan: “Target 2030”, A movement for people, planet and prosperity. My Climate Path (MCP), which was created by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Glasgow, welcomes the Action Plan. MCP will continue to back up educators, fill the knowledge gap in delivering sustainability education, and serve as the connections between young people and green employers.

LfS is highlighted by the Scottish Government as the national priority in education. It weaves outdoor learning, global citizenship, and sustainable development education together and paves the way for young people for future careers. The refreshed LfS Action Plan has an exciting vision that by 2030, all 3-18 place of education will be a “Sustainable Learning Setting”.

The ambition calls for the support of educators and communities to work together, to equip and enable young people to thrive. Sustainability is an evolving topic and implementation of the Action Plan is not an easy task. It requires cooperation between educators and industry sectors with meaningful interaction. My Climate Path, the COP26 education legacy initiative, has been joining the dots between education, the youth workforce, and employers through inspirational and real-life experiences since its launch in 2021.

MCP has recognised the significance of active classrooms and real-life industry examples from employers is inspirational to educators, young people, and their families. Working with diverse businesses, we actively recruit Climate Heroes to volunteer to deliver varied activities at their matched schools.

Instead of bringing “bad news” to the classrooms, both young people and educators need to understand the value of relevant LfS knowledge. Our Climate Heroes share their knowledge and successful environmental stories, provide hope and pathways to young people — how their concern or passion for a greener world can be realised and built into a career. Meanwhile, educators acquire up-to-date industry insights for future teaching. It also eases employers’ pressure by preparing a pipeline of future talent for the transition to net zero. As such, the core value of the MCP initiative is naturally coherent with the Learning for Sustainability Action Plan.

The Action Plan listed five key action themes, including collaborative partnerships from all levels, experiences for young people in LfS-related activities, the extension of learning environments from traditional classroom settings and materials, giving voice to young people and ensuring a shared understanding of LfS.

It is crucial to note that LfS is not a specific subject but an interdependent everyday life topic. My Climate Path continues to connect young people and schools with employers and aims at a collaborative gain for our future.

We encourage schools, businesses and organisations to participate in the My Climate Path. If you would like to be a Climate Hero and inspire more young people, please contact us at myclimatepath@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com