The EIS has a history of supporting climate change education, ‘Learning for Sustainability’, and has long moved its investments from companies associated with fossil fuels. Our last AGM further strengthened our environmental policies by resolving to instruct Council to campaign for a halt to biodiversity loss; to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2030; to educate the public on the science behind the climate and ecological emergency and to create a Citizens’ Assembly to steer decisions on tackling that emergency.

The importance of climate change policies has been brought into sharper relief by the forthcoming COP26 Conference coming to Glasgow. Whilst COP26 is the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference, there are heightened expectations on this event since the dangers of climate change are becoming more evident.

Although COP26 is an inter-governmental conference, many other bodies send delegates and observers to the Conference – both from environmental groups and from the International Trade Union Conference (ITUC) representing workers. Education International (EI) is a global union federation of teachers’ trade unions that includes the EIS. EI has a ‘Teach for the Planet’ climate change education campaign that includes specific asks for governments to adopt at COP26.

The EIS and sister unions in the UK have issued a Climate Learning Statement before COP26 highlighting a set of downloadable climate and sustainability teaching resources and upcoming CPD courses, which can be found at https://climatelearningresources.org.uk/

The EIS has also been developing Climate Change Education activities for members in the run-up to COP26 and these outputs will be available for members after COP26 as we wish COP26 to establish a legacy on climate change.

The EIS has a series of webinars leading up to COP26, with an exciting range of external speakers and topics.

We will be establishing an online portal for EIS members to share their teaching resources during and after COP26. We are also holding an online exhibition of pupils’ work on climate-related issues submitted by members. These events will showcase and share good practice.

COP26 is also an opportunity for citizens to influence government policy and to show the governments of the world how important the environment is to us. There are several ways and activities to do this – attending the COP26 demonstration in Glasgow is potentially one way. The EIS has agreed to fund buses to take members to the demonstration, but this will depend on whether it is safe to do so. We are liaising with the COP26 Coalition Trade Union Coordinating Group and will update members as soon as we can.

The EIS hopes that COP26 will generate a meaningful agreement for all our futures. We also hope that hosting the event here in Scotland will focus all our minds to better reduce our impact on our planet.

For further information on the Climate Education Portal, Webinars and pupil artwork exhibition, visit: www.eis.org.uk/Meetings-And-Events/ClimateChange

Webinars

The EIS has long-standing climate change policies. As COP26 is to be hosted in Glasgow this coming Autumn, the EIS is hosting a series of twilight webinars looking at the climate emergency; and the role of society, trade unions and education in tackling climate change.

Our webinars also consider climate change education from both the teachers’ and pupils’ perspectives.

Climate change – the challenge for society, trade unions and individuals

This webinar looked at the wider issues for EIS members and society to consider when campaigning against climate change.

Delegates looked at the changes needed to our economy, infrastructure and our daily lives that support the move to a greener and healthier society. The webinar also focused on the challenges for society, including workers and trade unions, as well as the benefits of moving into a low carbon and healthier economy.

Climate change education

This webinar looked at how Scotland and its teachers can help ensure that every young person leaves education climate-literate and equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle climate change, adapt to uncertainties, and take part in building a more sustainable future.

How can we support young people in the climate action movement?

27th October (6.30pm – 8pm)With more years ahead of them, than behind them, it is undoubtable that children and young people will face the most severe consequences of today’s climate changes.

However, as they are unable to vote, have very little spending power and are more limited in the choices they can make, they do not have the same individual powers to implement effective changes as their adult counterparts.

This has led to the growth of the ‘School Strike for Climate’ action, spearheaded by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. This seminar looks at how we can include children and young people into the climate change movement through a rights-based approach.

Avoiding and tackling ecoanxiety amongst school pupils

3rd November (6.30pm – 8pm)As awareness of climate change has enhanced, so too have the anxieties around the impacts of rising global temperatures.This webinar will be hosted by climate psychologists who will explain what ecoanxiety is, and how to manage it within the classroom. There will be a question and answer session for EIS members at the end of this event.

Sign up: www.eis.org.uk/climatechange