Why Earth Science Education & Environmental Awareness Matter?

• Because climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time
• Because education is essential for developing solutions, resilience and adaptation
• Because earth science helps us understand our planet – from weather systems to biodiversity
• Because green skills and sustainability awareness increase employability in future job markets
• Because community-driven ecological actions foster well-being, solidarity and responsibility

Circular Economy & Innovation

The Circular Economy replaces the take-make-waste model with a sustainable system of reuse, repair, recycle and redesign.

Some key benefits of circular economy include:

• Environmental protection: Less pollution, less waste and more protection for natural habitats.
• Economic resilience: Reduced dependence on raw materials and imports.
• Job creation: The EU estimates up to 700,000 new jobs by 2030, especially in repair, recycling and green innovation.
• Product innovation: From eco-friendly design to repair, circular thinking leads to smarter, longer-lasting goods.
• Waste reduction: Fights back against over-packaging, throwaway culture and single-use plastics.

Green Skills for the Future

The Green Transition is changing the way we work and requires new skills, qualifications and occupations.

The areas of change:

• Structural shift: New jobs in sustainability, fewer in extractive sectors.
• Emerging roles: Climate tech, sustainable agriculture, environmental engineering, etc.
• Greening existing jobs: Updating roles in construction, logistics, tourism, etc., to meet eco-standards.

Green skills are practical abilities that help us protect the planet and build a cleaner, fairer economy. Examples include:

• Critical, systems & nature-centric thinking
• Long-term thinking
• Dynamic operations & crisis management
• Scientific understanding
• Measuring and reducing carbon footprints
• Applying circular economy thinking in product design
• Managing water use and protecting ecosystems
• Assessing the environmental impact of projects

Supported by international actors such as UNIDO, UNESCO and the EU, green skills are critical for global climate justice and inclusive development.

Natural Resource Management

Natural resource management is all about taking care of water, land, forests, biodiversity and energy we all depend on. sustainability of key sectors like agriculture, forestry, tourism and fisheries. It connects environmental protection with the long-term well-being of communities – and helps keep vital sectors like farming, tourism, fishing and forestry sustainable.

But today, our natural resources face serious challenges that need urgent action. These include:

• Pollution of air, water and soil
• Overpopulation and growing demand for limited resources
• Deforestation and loss of green spaces
• Improper waste disposal
• Biodiversity loss – with species disappearing faster than ever
• Unsustainable land and water use, which harms ecosystems and livelihoods

Research & Innovation

Research and innovation are important drivers of progress in environmental education and awareness, equipping people with the knowledge and tools needed to address complex global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

Guided by long-term strategies like the European Green Deal, EU research efforts focus on promoting sustainable land use, circular economy practices and climate-neutral technologies. Digital innovation plays a critical role, enabling green transitions across sectors – from energy and transport to agriculture and construction – while also encouraging more sustainable behaviour.

Environmental education, informed by cutting-edge research and supported by high-quality science and technology, empowers individuals and communities to take meaningful action and supports Europe’s ambition to lead in sustainability, digital transformation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through this integrated approach, the EU aims to foster environmental awareness, innovation and resilience.

EU initiatives

The European Union has placed environmental education and sustainability at the core of its long-term vision for a climate-neutral future. With the 2040 climate target reinforcing the EU’s legally binding objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, education and training are recognised as powerful tools for driving this transformation. The commitment is reflected in a range of EU policy frameworks – including the European Green Deal, the EU Climate Law.

To equip learners with the tools for sustainable living, the EU recommends integrating climate and sustainability education across schools, vocational training, university and youth programmes. Key initiatives include investing in green infrastructure and resources and professional development for educators, emphasising practical and interdisciplinary learning.

The EU envisions schools and institutions as living hubs of sustainability, ensuring eco-friendly operations, curricula and community partnerships. These efforts aim to go beyond raising awareness. They foster innovation and drive lasting change.

Climate Change Education

Education is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against climate change.

According to UNESCO and the UNFCCC, climate education can:

• Help people understand the science behind climate change and take meaningful action
• Build resilience, innovation and a mindset ready for real-world solutions
• Shape green values and habits from an early age
• Encourage community engagement and active participation in climate policy

When people are informed and empowered, they become part of the solution.