From Global Policy to Local Classrooms: The Hidden Dynamics of Climate Change Education Worldwide

• In Event: 30883 - The Politics of Climate and Environmental Policy

Abstract

The United Nations recognizes education as a cornerstone in addressing climate change, yet nearly half of national curriculum frameworks worldwide make no reference to climate change (UNESCO et al. 2021, 2024). Drawing on a unique dataset encompassing national curricular policies from 170 countries, alongside the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018, this study employs natural language processing techniques and multilevel modeling (nations-schools) to analyze the cross-national integration and implementation of environmental and sustainability education (ESE). The findings reveal complex patterns: while international normative pressures effectively promote formal policy adoption, they can paradoxically widen gaps between policy commitments and implementation. Notably, domestic environmental non-governmental organizations emerge as critical 'translation agents,' bridging national policy commitments with school-level implementation. These findings advance our understanding of environmental education policy diffusion and implementation. They also offer practical implications: implementing climate change education in the classroom involves both international pressures to motivate policy adoption and strong domestic environmental organizations to ensure these policies translate into meaningful classroom practices.

Author

• Xiuqi Sukie Yang, University of Pennsylvania