[January Free Report] Climate Change Education in Lebanonby Elina Haber | 29-02-2024 06:47 |
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 Lebanon is a highly urbanized, middle-income country located in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea. Increased sea-level rise has impacted human lives and livelihoods, water supply, ecosystems, biodiversity, and even economic development are at risk. Lebanese climate activists affirm that climate change is a threat to youth.70% of citizens demand more collaboration and government support. There are fewer resources in the local language and due to language barriers, much of the climate-related knowledge and information are not understood by the laymen people. There is a lack of climate education and eco-consciousness among the Lebanese people. Quality climate education increases climate literacy among young people and children regardless of their backgrounds and encourages them to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. National circumstances between 2019 and 2022 such as the pandemic, the economic crisis, and the Beirut port blast altogether worsened the country¡¯s infrastructure. We ask the government to have mandatory climate education in the curriculum and prioritize this in the future National Communication on Climate Change reports. In Lebanon, there are issues with inconsistent coverage and a lack of cross-disciplinary integration in climate education. Although some curriculum must cover climate change, there is inconsistency across all grade levels. Instead, then emphasising solutions, education typically concentrates on issues. In order to achieve current and thorough integration across all subjects, more development is required. Students may take action if local and indigenous practises are included. The lack of information on climate education in Lebanon emphasises the need for additional study and implementation to promote a sustainable future. 1 Lebanon is facing a serious threat due to climate change. Education is the key to addressing this challenge. However, the level of support provided to teachers to inculcate climate change adaptation knowledge in schools remains ambivalent. While there are some resources available, these are not always mandatory. I urge my national leaders to take steps to improve climate education in Lebanon. They should make climate change a more central focus in the national curriculum, and provide more training and resources for teachers on how to effectively be involved in integrating climate change into their curricula. The role of youths in supporting these endeavours is also important. They can raise awareness about climate change among their peers, advocate for climate education in schools, and participate in climate strikes and other protests. Sources: Climate Change Education Guidebook: https://climatechange.moe.gov.lb/viewfile.aspx?id=240 UNDP and the Ministry of Environment launch Lebanon¡¯s Fourth National Communication on Climate Change: https://www.undp.org/lebanon/publications/lebanons-4th-national-communication-climate-change
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