COP29: Education unions demand urgent action for climate education and a just transition

Education International (EI), of which UCU is a member, has issued a strong call for urgent and decisive climate action in a statement to world leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).

Stressing that widespread disruptions caused by the climate crisis put students' right to education and teachers' labour rights at risk, the Education International leadership urged governments to ensure that education systems are climate resilient and that education is included in climate strategies in order to mobilise climate action.

EI members shared examples of how the climate crisis is impacting education in their countries, compelling union leaders to demand action:

• classrooms with temperatures over 50 degrees Celsius and poor ventilation
• water rationing in schools due to drought; and
• a substantial increase in hurricanes, fires, and floods.

EI joins other global trade unions in calling on call on governments to prioritise the full implementation of the just transition work programme, include just transition in a new quantified global goal on climate finance, and guarantee human rights and inclusive participation, with trade unions as key partners in determining climate policies through social dialogue. They are also calling on policy makers at COP to include education in climate strategies.

You can read the full Education International Statement to COP 29 here.