EARTHDAY.ORG, a global leader in Earth Day advocacy, has recently recognized President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil for his support of climate education as a critical tool in addressing the climate crisis. This recognition comes after President Lula da Silva sanctioned guarantees that climate change and the protection of biodiversity will be recognized in Brazil’s National Environmental Education Policy (PNEA). The signing of this measure took place at an event at Palácio do Planalto in Brasília, marking a significant step towards integrating climate education into Brazil’s school curriculum.
Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG, expressed delight at this development, emphasizing the organization’s longstanding efforts to promote the importance of teaching climate education globally. She highlighted Brazil’s commitment as a positive example for other nations to follow, underscoring the crucial role of education in fostering environmental awareness and action.
Minister Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the importance of educating for the environment in the 21st century. She emphasized that without proper environmental education, society will continue to struggle to coexist with ecological principles.
This recent initiative in Brazil is not the first time the country has taken a stand on climate education. In August 2023, at the Amazon Presidential Summit in Belém do Pará, Brazil emphasized the significance of environmental education. EARTHDAY.ORG, which was part of the NGO coalition advocating for climate education at the summit, continues to work towards universal climate education in Latin America.
Bryce Coon, Director of Climate Education Initiatives at EARTHDAY.ORG, highlighted the practical benefits of climate education in preparing students for the global economy. He emphasized the role of education in creating a climate-ready workforce, as outlined in the organization’s recent report, „Climate Education Vs. The Climate Crisis.“
Rodolfo Beltran, Regional Director for South America at EARTHDAY.ORG, expressed pride in Brazil’s leadership in promoting climate education across Latin America. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to advocating for climate education in K-12 school curricula worldwide.
Looking ahead, EARTHDAY.ORG aims to see climate education included in every country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The organization has developed an NDC Guide to support this goal and is dedicated to ensuring that climate education remains a priority on the global agenda.
In recognizing Brazil’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection, including reductions in Amazon deforestation and the expansion of renewable energy sources, EARTHDAY.ORG commends President Lula da Silva’s climate leadership. Brazil’s upcoming hosting of COP30 of the UNFCCC in BELÉM in 2025 further underscores the country’s dedication to addressing climate change on a global scale.
In conclusion, EARTHDAY.ORG applauds Brazil’s efforts in prioritizing climate education and environmental protection. By integrating climate education into national policies and curricula, Brazil is setting a positive example for other nations to follow. As the world faces the challenges of a rapidly changing climate, education remains a vital tool in empowering individuals and communities to take action and protect the planet for future generations.