On April 26, 2024, the “Climate Change Education Forum,” jointly organized by the Shanghai Institute for Lifelong Education at East China Normal University, the Institute of Basic Education Reform and Development at East China Normal University, the National Training Center for Secondary School Principals under the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction Center Co., Ltd., Green Year Shanghai, the National Alliance for Climate Change Education Research, and the People’s Government of Qibao Town, Minhang District, Shanghai, with the support of Shanghai Climate Week, was successfully held at East China Normal University. The forum attracted over a hundred experts and scholars from various fields of education across the country, representatives from enterprises and social organizations concerned about climate change, and media representatives.
Professor Dai Lili, Vice President of East China Normal University, emphasized the pivotal role of education in addressing global climate change, outlined Shanghai’s and ECNU’s contributions and achievements in climate change education, and expressed the hope that through this forum, theoretical explorations would be made, innovative achievements gathered, and the responsibility of educators in a major country demonstrated.
Vice President Li Zhengtao of the China Education Society stated that the education system should integrate campus and social resources to incorporate climate change education into school education and practical life. He emphasized that climate change education is a lifelong process and called on educators to use the forum as an opportunity to collectively advance climate change education and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.
Director Zou Rong of the Shanghai Climate Week Organizing Committee highlighted that the forum gathered individuals from all walks of life who are concerned about climate change education, showcasing the power and wisdom of climate education and its importance. He affirmed that the successful hosting of Shanghai Climate Week embodies the concept of “China’s Actions, Asian Voices, Global Standards” and promotes a green future.
Dr. Shi Gendong, Executive Director of UNESCO’s China Sustainable Development Education Program, provided an in-depth review and forward-looking outlook on ecological civilization and sustainable development education, emphasizing the core position of knowledge innovation in the development of climate change education and the importance of education innovation based on local Chinese needs. He proposed six dimensions for constructing ecological civilization and sustainable development education and called on all sectors to jointly build a high-quality platform to deepen such education.
Director Zhu Zhenshu of the Education Department of the Publicity and Education Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment conducted a detailed analysis and sharing of China’s policies and practices regarding climate change education and environmental education, showcasing China’s innovations and practices in the field of climate change education and outlining prospects for future work, urging all sectors of society to participate in climate change education and contribute to building a green future.
Professor Zhou Limin of the School of Geographic Sciences at East China Normal University delved into the practice of digital intelligence-driven climate change education, offering critical reflections on contemporary digital age education, highlighting the importance of understanding the scientific basis of climate change and interdisciplinary learning, and expressing hope for strengthened radiation and service of climate change education at the primary and secondary school levels.
Associate Professor Teng Yishu of the Advanced Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences at Beijing Normal University shared empirical case studies on sustainable development education oriented towards SDG 2030, pointing out that education should engage more broadly and deeply in the long-term task of sustainable development. She announced plans to design and optimize courses for pre-service teachers through empirical research to better prepare them for future challenges.
Ms. Ni Huan, Founder and Chairperson of Green Light-Year Shanghai, shared experiences in developing, practicing, and achieving results in climate change education products, emphasizing the role of social organizations in promoting sustainable lifestyles and education, and the importance of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. She encouraged participants to work together to strengthen cooperation and exchange to promote the deepening of ecological civilization and sustainable development education.
Twenty-six representatives from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, and other regions delivered eighteen keynote speeches, presenting high-quality research findings and demonstrating rich practical innovations from various locales.
The forum concluded with summaries from experts, emphasizing the significance of continued collaboration and the application of innovative strategies in advancing climate change education across China, contributing Chinese wisdom, solutions, and strength to global efforts in this field.