A crucial partnership between Monash University and the City of Casey is underway in an effort to help the region prepare for the future’s climate challenges.
Monash’s Climate Change Communication Research Hub and the Climate Action Living Lab will involve climate experts from across Melbourne and team up with students and teachers in secondary schools to co-design climate and energy education materials.
The Hub’s project lead, Amelia Pearson, said, “young people need opportunities to engage in climate action and educators require the skills to facilitate this engagement inside and outside of STEM subjects”.
“To address climate change and face the energy transition, we need a more informed public equipped with strong critical thinking and decision-making skills,” she said.
The pilot project is aimed at empowering young people by engaging them in climate action.
This equips them with the knowledge and practical tools to address climate change in their homes, schools, and communities.
Over 12 months, the Lab will bring together teachers and students alongside scientists to co-design hands-on climate and energy lessons aligned with the Victorian curriculum.
Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen, said that the Lab will focus on three key areas: safety and climate resilience, sustainability and biodiversity, and renewable energy.
“These focus areas align directly with the priorities identified by our community, and we are excited to work with our partners to tackle these challenges head-on,” he said.
After trials in the classrooms, the final materials will be distributed to all 24 secondary schools across the city.
“Our approach empowers communities to navigate these challenges by creating space to solve climate challenges in the classroom,” Pearson said.
“This place-based program seeks to proactively mitigate future community challenges, educating young people who will eventually be influential voices in their region.”
This story is developing, and more information will be added once they are available.
