Climate change literacy in early education

Dr Sarah Otanga, Research Fellow in the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship programme at the University of Pretoria, argues that climate change literacy is a critical tool for equipping future generations to navigate and respond to environmental challenges. Integrating climate change literacy into early education, she notes, is essential to building long-term resilience, particularly among young learners who will experience the most significant impacts of climate change.

Drawing on the Kenyan context, the article highlights the Kenya Climate Change Learning Strategy (KCCLS), which seeks to embed climate change knowledge and skills across all levels of education by 2030. The strategy prioritises curriculum integration, teacher capacity development, and the use of formal and informal learning pathways to strengthen climate change education nationally.

The article also reflects on implementation challenges, including limited age-appropriate learning materials, and points to innovative solutions. As part of her fellowship, Dr Otanga is leading a research project to develop interactive, story-based climate change literacy resources for lower primary learners in Kenya. The project adopts a co-design approach, working closely with teachers, learners, and curriculum developers to ensure relevance and impact.

Read the full article by Dr Sarah Otanga, lecturer in the Department of Educational Communication Technology and Curriculum Studies, School of Education, Maseno University, Kenya.