Climate Justice Week: 20–27 September

20th September 2019

The INTO is fully committed to climate justice. Between 20 and 27 September, a global movement will take action for climate justice, led by young activists including Greta Thunberg. Climate justice is a moral imperative and the INTO stands in solidarity with our members who will participate in the public events taking place in Ireland on 20 September and those who will advocate for climate justice in their schools.

There are lots of ways in which schools can help to instil in our children an appreciation of the challenges which lie ahead and the actions which can have a positive impact on our climate at a personal level. We have included some resources and tools for you below.

Why climate justice?

Historically, the world has talked about climate change primarily as an environmental issue. We focus on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, rising seas, climbing temperatures, and other hard data. While this narrative is important, it’s missing a critical component — people.

Communities everywhere will be affected by climate change. Those in impoverished, developing nations will likely be hit hardest. That’s why it’s necessary to talk about climate change not just as an environmental issue, but also as an issue of climate justice focused on the way in which people, especially the most vulnerable, are being affected.

The trade union movement has pledged its support to climate justice and started an important conversation about a just transition – ensuring workers are protected as changes are brought about to protect our climate. You can learn more about a just transition here.

How can you learn more about this issue?

Climate change is a rather abstract concept for children. However, there are a variety of starting points teachers can use to support its development in the classroom context within the science, geography and SPHE curriculum.

Where can I find information?

Trócaire provide some useful resources for use in primary classrooms, including videos and classroom resources – access here.

Ask About Ireland includes some fun games you can play with your pupils to raise awareness of the environment – access here.

Below you will find links to primary school dedicated climate change websites/webpages. If you browse them you can note those that have particularly useful information suited to your own class grouping.

National Geographic Kids:

NASA Climate Kids:

EPA Education:

  • the EPA website has some excellent online videos on climate change, clean water and resource use here.

Other online resources

These provide a varied resource for primary schools.

The following web links provide further information on climate change and positive steps to help combat it:

Media Centre