News

European Climate Teach-In Day 2009 a Success
University lecturers and teachers from 265 institutions in more than 55 countries used the opportunity to download the climate content provided in the framework of the First European Climate Teach-In Day 2009. Over 12,000 students from universities and schools were involved in the initiative.

The organizers are pleased that this first Climate Teach-In Day has in fact reached students and staff from universities, schools and other research and education institutions well beyond the European area. A follow-up activity will be the “World Climate Teach-In Day”, to be held on Friday, the 4th June 2010.

Background

There is a perceived need to foster awareness about climate change in schools and universities and to engage young people and future professionals in the search for local solutions for a problem with has global dimensions. Yet, although much is written and spoken about climate change at scientific circles, little information filters through other levels. In particular, the comprehensive body of information and knowledge on matters related to climate change may be very useful in educating future generations, but it is seldom used. Since much can be gained by using scientific information to foster the debate on climate change at schools and universities across Europe, the "European Climate Teach-In Day" will be organized.

The event will consist of lectures on different aspects of climate change prepared by some of the leading experts in the field. The lectures will be prepared in a way that allows the contents to be understood by secondary school and university students. The "European Climate Teach-in Day" will disseminate not only scientific information, but also approaches, methods, strategies, and other types of action taking place all around Europe, in order to cope with the challenge of climate change.

The "European Climate Teach-In Day" will be held on the 5th June 2009, which is also the World Environment Day, a traditional date in the world environment calendar. It is organized by the Research and Transfer Centre Applications of Life Sciences of the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany (HAW Hamburg), as part of the "International Climate Change Information Programme" led by HAW Hamburg. The "European Climate Teach-in Day" is being organized in partnership with the European Commision, the European Space Agency, the European Environment Agency, the UN Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organisation.

"European Climate Teach-In Day" is recognized by UNESCO as a project in the framework of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). It will involve universities in all European countries.