Climate change literacy is crucial as it may empower individuals and communities with the knowledge to understand the impacts of climate change, the underlying science, and the strategies needed for mitigation and adaptation. By being informed, people can make more environmentally responsible decisions, advocate for sustainable policies, and adapt to changes that are already occurring. Climate literacy also involves understanding the evidence for climate change, recognising its influence on environmental and human systems, and being able to participate in community-based efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to its impacts. As climate change affects all sectors of society, literacy is necessary for everyone, from policymakers and scientists to students and the general public, ensuring a well-informed community ready to tackle these challenges effectively.
There is a perceived need for events which may cater for in-depth discussions about how the cause of climate literacy may be fostered. It is against this background that the "World Symposium on Climate Literacy" is being organised. The Symposium aims to provide a platform for researchers, practitioners and educators engaged with climate literacy to exchange their knowledge and perspectives.
The Symposium also aims to offer a valuable platform to enable climate literacy providers and users from the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East regions to depeen their knowledge on the topic and enhance networks. The theme of the Symposium, "Combining the Theory and Practice of Climate Change Literacy” reflects the intention to offer participants an opportunity to present what they are doing, both in research and reflections on climate literacy principles, and their implementation in practice.
The event has four primary objectives as follows:
- a) To increase awareness and understanding of climate literacy and its applications among a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and the general public.
- b) To promote climate change literacy, highlighting its importance and the need for effective climate education at all levels, from primary schools to higher education institutions and beyond.
- c) To facilitate the exchange of knowledge, research findings, and best practices related to climate change education and communication.
- d) To create a platform for collaboration and networking among individuals and organisations working in the field of climate literacy, encouraging partnerships and joint initiatives.
Also, the "World Symposium on Climate Literacy" aims to inspire and empower individuals and communities to take action to mitigate and adapt to climate change by providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools.
