How Global Cities Empower Citizens to Engage With Climate Change: Exploratory Analysis of Action Plans (Poster 5)

• In Event: Mapping the Terrain of Climate Change Education: Exploring Politics, Policy, Practice, and Perspectives

Abstract

Education plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. While cities are leading the charge against climate change, they rarely have the power over local education systems. In this study, we examine whether and how cities frame education in their Climate Action Plans (CAPs). Grounded in a framework that sees education as a social institution, we argue that cities turn to education to legitimate their climate change strategies. Based on content analysis of CAPs from 57 cities in 36 countries, the study finds that while the education focus is predominantly on training municipal officials as well as informing and fostering participation of all citizens, cities also legitimate climate change action through a variety of educational programs.

Authors

• Carine Verschueren, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Oren Pizmony-Levy, Teachers College, Columbia University