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News and Events

UAE carbon literacy initiative to 'catalyse environmental change'

Cambridge is among key players in climate education to develop a new training course on carbon literacy for schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates. 

International education
People and planet
trees in United Arab Emirates forest

Designed to raise awareness of climate change and promote sustainable practices, the carbon literacy course is the first of its kind for Middle East schools. 

Education technology company Alef Education, the UAE's Ministry of Education and the Carbon Literacy Project have joined forces with Cambridge Partnership for Education to give students the opportunity to complete a certified carbon literacy course.

A 10-lesson 'Alef EcoChamps Summer Programme' will be available in Arabic and English for all students in Grades 5 to 8 (ages 10 to 13) in July and August - the first step in a wider climate education programme. Topics will include energy, the Earth's biosphere, consumption, climate action and innovation for sustainability. 

Students will use Alef's learning platform to access the self-study course. An extended course of 30 lessons will be available for students from September 2023. 

Introducing carbon literacy to young learners in an engaging way is a real game changer. 

 

The education programme launches ahead of the United Nations COP28 Summit on Climate Change, hosted in Dubai in November 2023, amid efforts to shift the region and the wider world to a lower carbon future. 

Christine Özden, Global Director of Climate Education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “Building knowledge and skills toward carbon literacy is critical. We are excited to partner with Alef Education, the Ministry of Education and the Carbon Literacy Project to enable students to understand climate change, reduce their carbon footprint, and become catalysts for change in their communities. Introducing carbon literacy to young learners in an engaging way is a real game changer.”  

Partners in climate education 

Geoffrey Alphonso, Chief Executive Officer of Alef Education, said: “We believe education plays a crucial role in developing a sustainable future. Our mission is to empower young people through the Alef EcoChamps Summer Program, enabling them to understand the intricacies of climate change and motivating them to take concrete action toward a greener and more sustainable UAE. In this way, we enable the next generation to become responsible global citizens who actively contribute to preserving our planet.” 

H.E. Dr Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Care and Capacity Building Sector at the Ministry of Education, said: “We are pleased to partner with Alef Education, Cambridge, and the Carbon Literacy Project to offer the Alef EcoChamps Summer Program to UAE students. This innovative program aligns with our mission to provide a high-quality education system that prepares students to become responsible global citizens and contribute to the sustainable development of our country. We believe that by educating our youth on the importance of climate change and promoting sustainable practices, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come. We commend Alef Education for their commitment to promoting sustainable education and look forward to seeing the positive impact of the Alef EcoChamps Summer Program on our students.” 

The Co-Founder of the Carbon Literacy Project, Phil Korbel, said: "Climate change impacts us all, and in the same way, we all can make a difference in minimising its harm and speeding our transition to a low-carbon society. Enabling this contribution from all citizens is the aim of the Carbon Literacy Project, so we welcome this extraordinary initiative from the Ministry of Education and Alef Education. The Carbon Literate students that are certified in this project are sure to be at the forefront of the UAE's thriving low carbon future."

The programme to build carbon literacy awareness in the UAE is one example of Cambridge's commitment to sustainability. Education provides an opportunity to support thinking and inform action around climate change and Christine Özden was appointed Cambridge's first global director for climate education in 2022. 

 

Find out more about Alef Education and the summer programme here. 

 

Author: Sophie White