Philantopedia podcast episode 4 on building green mindset
Tune in to the discussion on a crucial factor in the transition to net zero: people. It explores how to develop a green mindset at every stage of life, as well as job opportunities in the rapidly growing green industry that requires new skills.
Read the article below to learn more.
Building climate awareness from an early age
Suppose that you are planting a small tree in your backyard. You can’t expect the tree to grow big to offer shade in an instant. It takes time, care, and fertile ground for the tree to grow strong. The same applies to climate awareness. It needs to be rooted early within society and tended to with care so people can face the challenges of climate change with a mature understanding.
The increasingly popular energy transition and decarbonisation efforts will be ineffective if society remains unaware. It would be difficult for any technology, no matter how sophisticated it is, to have a real impact should there be no sustainable mindset embedded in daily life. That’s why instilling climate awareness at a young age is so important.
Environmental awareness can be introduced in schools through simple means, such as children's storybooks or everyday TV programmes. Children will become familiar with basic terms, such as renewable energy, recycling, and low emissions, from an early age. As they grow older and face more complex issues, it will be easier for them to understand the context, as they have unknowingly established this foundation of knowledge within themselves.
Collaboration between HSBC and WWF Indonesia in providing environmental education to schools through Panda Mobile program.
As they go to college, deepening their understanding of climate change is crucial for them. A cross-disciplinary approach is key since no single field can tackle the complexities of this global challenge on its own. Fields such as engineering, environmental science, finance, diplomacy, socio-political studies, and communication need to be interconnected.
A curriculum that brings students from different backgrounds together for solutions should shape a more well-rounded perspective. It keeps the younger generation from being confined in their respective academic silos and, instead, seeing climate issues from various, complementary angles.
But it takes more than just education. There needs to be a balance between climate literacy and government policies that encourage industries to adopt eco-friendly practices. A key combination will be a climate-conscious public, supportive regulations, and real action from businesses to make the shift to a low-carbon economy.
Climate Solutions Partnership's efforts to introduce green business practices to the industrial sector.
Now is the time for us to take action. We can begin with simple steps—like conserving energy, sorting our waste, and supporting eco-friendly products. Each of the small steps we make today is an investment for a healthier future for our planet. Together, we can cultivate strong climate awareness and create a more liveable world for generations to come. From living rooms to classrooms to boardrooms, every conversation and action plays a vital role in shaping our future.