In a world increasingly aware of environmental degradation, it's vital to equip young people with the knowledge and tools to tackle these issues. Yet, despite the urgency, many classrooms still lack comprehensive climate education. EcoLearning Together, a pioneering youth-led nonprofit, and partner of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, is changing this narrative by integrating environmentalism and ecosystem restoration into school curricula and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The Importance of Environmental Education

The need to teach about climate change and ecosystem restoration in schools cannot be overstated. Research indicates that roughly 60% of teachers in the U.S. do not cover climate change in their lessons, often citing feelings of unpreparedness or believing it is not necessary. 1 This gap in education can lead to heavy climate anxiety among students, who, if unprepared, might feel overwhelmed when facing environmental challenges alone. As EcoLearning Together co-founder Sanjana states, “Education is the first step of tackling any issue.” Without proper education, students might struggle to develop effective climate solutions or feel disconnected from their role in addressing these issues. Teaching about ecosystems and restoration fosters a sense of responsibility and connection to one’s environment. It ensures that environmental activism transcends generations, helping to sustain restoration efforts and fostering a continuous commitment to our planet.

How to Teach Environmentalism and Ecosystem Restoration 

Effective environmental education involves engaging students in various hands-on activities and experiences. Here are several strategies to incorporate education surrounding ecosystem restoration into the classroom:

 1. Interactive Learning: Nature walks and games are excellent tools for teaching students about ecosystems. By identifying native, invasive, and foreign plants, students gain a deeper understanding of how the natural environment interacts, and what constitutes a healthy ecosystem. Predator-prey games and simulations of invasive species can illustrate ecological interactions and the impact of human activities. 

2. Service Learning: Providing students with real-world experiences outside the classroom, such as litter cleanups or tree planting, can significantly enhance their learning. EcoLearning Together’s chapters in Nigeria and Kenya have successfully integrated these activities into their programs, including building community gardens.

3. Classroom Labs: Hands-on labs, like creating eco-columns and terrariums, allow students to observe and interact with ecosystems on a smaller scale. An example of an ecocolumn can be a three chambered (layered water jugs) terrarium with a soil compartment, sand for filtering, and aquatic chamber. Growing plants in the classroom also helps students understand plant biology and ecosystem dynamics. 

4. Creative Projects: For younger students, craft activities (art made out of recyclable materials), and climate change-themed projects can make complex concepts more accessible. Video contests and apps that focus on sustainability can also engage students in a fun and educational manner.

5. Youth-Led Initiatives: EcoLearning Together emphasizes the importance of involving students in their own environmental initiatives. By inviting young leaders to share their experiences and projects, schools can inspire students and show relatable role models. 

6. Support and Resources: Providing students with information about local youth-led organizations and opportunities for involvement can reduce anxiety and encourage activism. Offering resources and listing local initiatives provides assistance for students to get started with their projects or make the change they want in their community.

EcoLearning Together: Paving the Way 

EcoLearning Together exemplifies how youth-led initiatives and climate education can drive meaningful change in environmental restoration. The organization has planted over 20,000 trees and worked with more than 150 youth worldwide, much of which were accomplished by school groups or students. By visiting educational institutions and sharing their journey, EcoLearning Together founders Sanjana and Annika offer inspiration and practical advice for young activists. “It is imperative that young students also learn from other students that have been through the experience of entrepreneurship when they are creating their own projects. Knowing that others have gone through it is inspirational.” states a previous teacher of Sanjana and Annika’s, whose classroom the founders presented at. 

The nonprofit also leverages innovative events for youth, such as a Minecraft server designed to teach sustainable architecture. These approaches help make environmental education more accessible and engaging.

This article is originally by EcoLearning.

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, led by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and its partners, covers terrestrial as well as coastal and marine ecosystems. As a global call to action, it will draw together political support, scientific research and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. Find out how you can contribute to the UN Decade. Follow #GenerationRestoration.