Climate change and its consequences; and the role of International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE) 2019

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Climate change with its hazardous consequences is affecting not just forestation and wildlife, but also human beings and their lifestyles. Chronic diseases are increasing in number. For instance, just a few hours of exposure to sunlight is causing humans skin problems, even skin cancer. Air pollution is leading to increased cases of bronchitis, lung cancer and asthma. Other major problems we face as a people are water pollution, lack of water resources and poor quality of land.

ICSE 2019

These problems are further deteriorating the environmental conditions, making humans and other living beings bear many survival difficulties. Today floods, cyclones and unexpected weather changes are no longer rare situations – happening frequently in every city or state in the world.

In addressing challenges related to environment, climate change and sustainable development, education is an untapped resource so far, which is why ICSE 2019 is a step in the right direction. Organised by Mobius Foundation, UNESCO New Delhi and Climate Reality India, the International Conference of Sustainability Education is to be held in September at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The conference aims on providing a global platform to national and international dignitaries to discuss the need of incorporation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Climate Change Education (CCE) and Environmental Education (EE) in current course curriculums. It also aims on building recommendations for the unification of ESD, CCE and EE to create a space for our next generation for growing into a responsible citizen who lives by example.

Mr. Pradip Burman, Founder & Chairman, Mobius Foundation believes, “Education is key to the global integrated framework of sustainable development goals. Education is at the heart of our efforts both to adapt to change and to transform the world within which we live. It is recognised as having one of the highest long-term returns on investment of all development goals. There is a need to rethink and broaden the notion of lifelong education.”

Objectives of ICSE 2019

  • Share good practices in sustainability education in the school system from across the globe and provide a regional platform for exchange of experiences and good practices amongst educators, practitioners and policy makers.
  • Discuss new and innovative ideas to change the current educational structure and incorporate environmental sustainability as a core concept from the early stage of education systems and strengthen the process through preparation of a model curriculum and associated teaching learning modules/tools.
  • Identify opportunities for partnerships between schools, NGOs, UN agencies, and global, regional and national networks to enhance formal and non-formal education programs on sustainability education.
  • Identify immediate and mid-term next steps for the development of a comprehensive sustainability education program in South Asia.

The main outcome of the conference will be a set of “Recommendations” and “Best Practices Guide in Sustainability Education” as a tool for planning educational interventions in schools, colleges and higher education sector.

The expected outcomes of the conference include:

  1. Experience sharing of good practices and case studies in an Abstract Volume of the conference.
  2. Model curriculum framework, content and approaches for effective transaction of sustainability education into education system
  3. Recommendations for creation of regional e-platform for exchange of experiences and good practices on sustainability education.

Participants and Format of ICSE 2019

The conference will bring together around 200 participants (50 international and 150 national) representing the multi-disciplinary and diverse group of stakeholders, including policy makers, teachers and educators, curriculum development experts, representatives of school and education networks, youth, scientists and climate change experts, as well as individuals from the private sector and civil society.