Baku, Azerbaijan – october 30, 2025 – As COP30 negotiations commence in Baku, advocates are urgently calling for children’s education to be central to climate action discussions, citing its critical role in building resilience and fostering long-term solutions. A new report from Inter Press Service, highlighted by Global Issues, emphasizes that integrating climate education into curricula worldwide is not merely a supplementary effort, but a fundamental necessity.
The call comes amid growing recognition that current climate adaptation funding falls substantially short of pledges,creating a “yawning gap” that threatens vulnerable populations,especially children. Experts argue that equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills to understand and address climate change is the most sustainable form of adaptation.
“Investing in climate education is investing in a future where communities are empowered to respond effectively to the challenges ahead,” stated a representative from Inter Press Service. “It’s about building a generation of informed citizens who can drive innovation and advocate for change.”
The urgency is underscored by recent global events, including the devastating impact of Hurricane melissa in Jamaica, described as unprecedented, and ongoing conflicts exacerbated by climate-related resource scarcity in regions like South Sudan and Myanmar. The United Nations has also condemned killings in gaza and highlighted the critical need for ceasefire respect, while the UN nuclear watchdog continues to monitor risks in Iran, Syria, and Ukraine.
alongside these immediate crises, broader systemic issues remain, including calls for Security Council reform and an end to the US embargo on Cuba, as debated at the General Assembly. However, advocates maintain that addressing the root causes of vulnerability through education is paramount.
The report stresses the need for inclusive, equitable access to quality climate education for all children, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic background. It also calls for increased international cooperation and funding to support these efforts, ensuring that COP30 marks a turning point in prioritizing education as a core component of global climate action.