In a challenging environment marked by, among other issues, climate change and environmental degradation, the European economy is undergoing significant transformations. The green transition and the move towards sustainability, including the objective of achieving climate neutrality, are affecting how people live and work and changing skills requirements. Against this background, action is needed in the education and training sector to support the green transition and develop the sustainability competences of learners. Although there is increasing activity in education and training on the environment and sustainability, learning for sustainability is not yet a systematic feature of education policy and practice across Europe. The EU is seeking to support Member States in their efforts to integrate sustainability into curricula, educational practice and professional development of educators and to ensure that learners of all ages are equipped with the knowledge to live more sustainably, develop a sense of agency and acquire the skills increasingly needed in the labour market. Emphasis is also placed on greening the activities and operations of the education and training systems. The European Parliament has highlighted the key role of education and training in delivering a more sustainable economy and society and providing people with the skills they need to participate in the green transition. Learning for environmental sustainability should be mainstreamed across educational curricula with a lifelong learning perspective, and the environmental impact of EU programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps should be reduced. Moreover, active support should be given to teachers and trainers to ensure they are prepared and upskilled for the digital and green transformation of schools and education institutions.
Source : © European Union, 2023 – EP