Education is the most powerful tool to shape and prepare human beings. It is through education that knowledge and understanding are built—key elements to driving actions that lead to collective and sustainable goals. So why not use climate education as one of the most effective solutions to face climate change?

One of the most consistent ways to fight climate change, promote climate action, inform, engage, and empower communities is through climate education. This learning process develops knowledge, attitudes, and skills aimed at understanding and addressing the challenges of climate change and sustainability.

I believe that investing in climate education for young women is not just a necessity but an urgent priority to ensure a more resilient and just future. In Cabo Verde, as in many other developing countries, women are among the most vulnerable groups to the impacts of climate change. Therefore, investing in climate education becomes a strategic and essential way to engage youth and create opportunities for more young women to emerge as leaders in climate action, promoting gender equity in the process.

Cabo Verde, with the support of the Climate Action Program, has invested in climate education as a way to strengthen youth representation in climate debates and actions. Events such as the Children and Youth Parliament and the Children and Youth Academy have brought together children and teenagers from all the country’s islands, promoting technical sessions, debates, knowledge sharing, and the development of ideas and projects related to climate action. A relevant aspect of these events is the significant participation of young women, as shown in the graphs below, highlighting the potential of such initiatives to foster young female leadership in tackling climate change. These actions are crucial for preparing youth to become change agents in their communities, building capacities, sharing information, raising awareness, and developing knowledge.

Source: Climate Action Program

These are just initial steps. Cabo Verde, with the support of the Climate Action Program, aims to do much more to bring climate education into the reality of Cabo Verdean youth. In the near future, the plan is to include topics such as climate, climate change, and climate action in university curricula. Schools and universities are the cradle of innovative projects and the spaces where young people gather, making them key to fostering future female leaders in climate action.

Climate education must be considered a national priority. It is essential that more young women gain access to the tools, opportunities, and spaces they need to lead the transformation that our planet and communities so urgently require.

Author

Loriana Monteiro
Climate Action Program