In this episode of Belong to the Future, host Megha sits down with climate education leaders Edward Stevenette and Miya Manu Abraham from Learning Planet Institute to explore how the next generation can lead the charge on climate action. From the Learning Planet Design Challenge 2024-25 to innovative youth-led initiatives, they dive into how education is empowering young people to tackle global challenges.

Edward shares his vision for the future of universities and how education intersects with climate justice, while Miya highlights the power of youth leadership in driving change, especially in marginalized communities. Together, they discuss how we can equip young people with the tools to create real impact—locally and globally.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the role of youth, education, and collaboration in shaping a sustainable future.

In this episode, Megha Chaturvedi speaks with Deepak Sridhar from City Atlas about the innovative use of board games to educate people on the complex realities of climate change. Deepak shares insights into how Energetic, a role-playing game designed to simulate energy transition and sustainability, helps students and professionals alike grasp the interconnected systems of climate challenges. He explains how such games enhance engagement, break down complexity, and encourage real-world action. With examples from high schools and communities around the world, Deepak discusses the potential of gamified learning to foster empathy, collaboration, and creative solutions to climate issues. Whether it's shaping environmental policies or teaching the next generation, Deepak makes a compelling case for integrating games into climate education to drive lasting change.

In this enlightening episode of Belong To The Future, we have an engaging conversation with Leslie Davenport, a pioneer in the emerging field of climate psychology. As awareness of climate change grows, so do the emotional responses from children and young adults. 

We explore the different ways children respond to climate change awareness, from worry—often seen as a maladaptive response—to hope, which serves as a more adaptive outlook. Leslie shares her insights on how we can support young people in coping with climate stress, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices. She discusses her workbook, What to Do When Climate Change Scares You, which offers accessible activities and illustrations designed to help children navigate their feelings about this complex issue.

Throughout our conversation, we balance the urgent need to educate children about the realities of climate change with the importance of fostering a hopeful mindset. Leslie emphasizes the psychological benefits of youth engagement in climate action, illustrating how these experiences can empower young people for the long term.

As we conclude, Leslie shares her vision for the future of climate education and the crucial role children will play in shaping a more sustainable world. Join us for this vital discussion on equipping the next generation with the tools they need to face environmental challenges with resilience and optimism.

In this enlightening episode of Belong To The Future, I welcome Ms. Poornima Garg, Country Director of Room to Read in India. Poornima shares her insights on the transformative power of community involvement in fostering sustainable practices among children. She emphasizes that when communities create supportive ecosystems, the resulting social change is not only impactful but also enduring.

A key highlight of the conversation is Poornima's discussion on the critical role of basic literacy. She explains how foundational literacy goes beyond academic success; it equips children with the skills necessary for informed decision-making across all aspects of life, including climate action.

Additionally, Poornima underscores the importance of age-appropriate literature focused on climate issues. She describes how these books can profoundly shape children's perceptions and attitudes toward the environment, influencing the way they think and act in the world.

This episode is a powerful reminder of how integrating literacy and community engagement can cultivate a generation of informed, environmentally-conscious leaders. Tune in to discover how we can all contribute to this vital cause!

In this episode of Belong To The Future, we welcome Edd Moore, an award-winning primary school teacher at Green School Bali. Edd shares his insights into the transformative power of education in fostering environmental stewardship among young learners. With a focus on outdoor learning and community engagement, he has integrated sustainability into the curriculum, encouraging students to take ownership through projects that benefit people, animals, and the environment.

Edd delves into the innovative living curriculum at Green School, which emphasizes experiential, entrepreneurial learning in a nature-immersed setting. He discusses how he simplifies complex sustainability topics for primary students, ensuring they grasp these vital concepts. The conversation also touches on the importance of ongoing training for educators, highlighting the Green Educators Course, which equips teachers with the knowledge needed to stay ahead of environmental challenges.

Another fascinating aspect of our discussion revolves around the role of parents in this educational journey. Edd explains the concept of Green School for Grown-ups, aimed at involving parents in the sustainability conversation and practices.

Throughout the episode, Edd shares inspiring examples of how shifts in pedagogy have influenced students’ attitudes and behaviors, underscoring the significance of a supportive community in driving sustainable initiatives.

As we wrap up, Edd leaves us with thought-provoking insights on the collective responsibility we share in nurturing a sustainable future through education. Join us for an inspiring discussion filled with actionable ideas and heartfelt stories that highlight the vital role of education in addressing climate change.

In this episode of Belong To The Future, we explore the often-overlooked challenges and opportunities within climate education. I am joined by Pallavi Phatak, Head of Climate and Education at Asar and Strategy Lead at Climate Educators Network.

We discuss:

• The obstacles faced in integrating climate education into standard curricula
• The crucial role of curriculum designers and educators in shaping future-ready students
• How a strategic approach to stakeholder communications can drive meaningful change
• The need to break down silos within the education sector for a collaborative approach to learning

Join us for a deep dive into how we can overcome these challenges and create more impactful, connected learning experiences.

Join us for a captivating discussion with Dr. Ashok Pandey, a celebrated educator with over 30 years of experience and a recipient of the National Teacher Award, the Extraordinary Leadership Award, and a spot in Forbes India's Top 100 People Managers. Dr. Pandey, who also serves on the Governing Body of the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE), shares his profound insights on the evolving landscape of education in India.

In this episode, we delve into the following and more:

• The NEP 2020: How far have we come since its introduction, and what more needs to be done? What can schools and institutions do to accelerate its implementation?
• Teacher Training Gaps: What are the critical deficiencies in climate education training, and how can we address them?
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: How can educators encourage teamwork across various academic disciplines to teach climate change more effectively?
• Green Jobs and Career Counseling: With the rise of green jobs, how can career counselors help alleviate student anxieties about their roles in the climate change narrative?
• Urban vs. Rural Education: How are urban and rural education systems faring in providing inclusive and equitable climate education?

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that explores these pressing issues and more, offering a blueprint for advancing climate education in today's world.

Welcome to the teaser episode, hosted by Megha Chaturvedi, where she introduces the podcast’s mission: to explore how green education can equip young people with the skills and mindset to face climate challenges head-on. Discover why climate education is crucial, how it can galvanize action, and what’s to come in future episodes. Join us on this journey to build a sustainable future together—one informed conversation at a time.