Aurora College Secures $1.4M Grant to Elevate Climate Change Literacy: Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future

Aurora College Receives $1.46 Million for Climate Change Education

Aurora College has secured $1.46 million in federal funding to teach young people about climate change. The college announced the initiative, which aims to reach students from kindergarten to Grade 12, focusing on what climate change means for the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Chris Paci, vice president of research at the Aurora Research Institute, emphasized the importance of environmental literacy. He said it’s crucial for youth to understand their environment and discuss its challenges. “This knowledge empowers them to become advocates for their surroundings, especially since the NWT is experiencing the effects of climate change more swiftly than the global average,” Paci noted.

The project, titled “Building Climate Change Awareness and Environmental Literacy in NWT Youth,” will run until 2029. It is part of a broader initiative funded by the federal Climate Action and Awareness Fund, which allocated a total of $14.4 million across 17 projects nationwide.

This funding comes at a pivotal time. Recent surveys indicate that over 60% of Canadian youth are worried about climate change, with many expressing a strong desire for educational programs that address environmental issues. This reflects a growing trend where young people are not only aware but want to take action.

The college’s approach to blend classroom learning with hands-on experiences “on the land” is crucial. Experts in education advocate for experiential learning, suggesting that engaging directly with nature can solidify students’ understanding and commitment to environmental issues.

By equipping youth with the skills to discuss and address climate challenges, Aurora College is nurturing a generation prepared to tackle one of the biggest issues of our time.

Find more information about similar initiatives and climate awareness efforts on the Government of Canada’s Climate Action page.

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education,environment