In the race against time to tackle the climate crisis, education will play a vital role. Climate education has the power to not only prepare students for the global transition to a low-carbon economy but also to shift mindsets into sustainable ways of living. Hence, the global project of climate action will need the support of the education sector. At present, however, most governments do not recognize the importance of climate education in their climate action plans.

As part of Education International’s Teach for the Planet Campaign, this study examines 140 new and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and 10 National Climate Change Learning Strategies (NCCLSs) to assess the state of climate education commitments in climate policy today. Currently, only a few countries have outlined their plans to include mandatory climate education curricula into formal education systems.

The study also appraises climate education plans according to standards of inclusivity, systems strengthening, and climate justice, among others. Few countries’ climate plans make education commitments that align with the principles outlined in Education International’s Manifesto for Quality Climate Change Education for All.

Overall, the study finds that climate change education ambition is poor. Governments need to urgently step up efforts to provide quality climate education for all students. Educators are ready to do their part and must be recognized as key stakeholders in climate policies.