Transforming Education in a Climate Emergency

Abstract

Education and professional practice need a collaborative rethink. The Architects Climate Action Network is calling for: universal integration of environmental design, radical activism and increased collaboration. Although climate change and sustainable design have been taught for many years, few if any schools have convincingly tackled the challenges presented by the climate emergency, with ecological breakdown scarcely being mentioned. As the UK leaves the EU and the climate emergency becomes even more urgent, the ARB is coming under increasing pressure to act and, as Derbyshire highlighted, is 'challenged to rise to the occasion with a response that meets the demands of social and environmental well-being'. By lobbying heads of schools, creating open networks for tutors and encouraging student action the people hope to see every facet of education ingrain the climate emergency deep within its psyche.