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Protecting the environment and combating climate change is one of the main priorities of the European Union. When we talk about this topic, we must mention – The European Green Deal (European Green Deal Communication) - which is the European new growth strategy. This strategy assigns an important role to the involvement of students, parents and the general public in schools, educational institutions and universities in the successful transition to climate neutrality by 2050. 

Another important document is - sAbcho's recommendation on learning for green transformation (Council Recommendation on learning for the green transition), which emphasizes the need for students of all ages to have the opportunity to learn about the climate crisis and sustainable development through both formal and non-formal education. And educational institutions are recommended to make teaching about green transformation their top priority. Sustainability must become part of the whole spectrum of education and training. Among them is meant the modification of curricula, professional development of teachers, infrastructure, etc., based on these principles. 

The Erasmus+ program is a key tool for sharing knowledge and skills on climate change and supporting sustainable development in the EU and beyond. The goal of the program is to increase the number of mobility opportunities that will contribute to the development of competences, strengthen career prospects and involve participants in strategic areas of sustainable growth (the program pays special attention to projects on rural development, eg sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, soil protection, bio-agriculture). Moreover, Erasmus+ aims, through mobility, to strive towards carbon neutrality, sustainable means of transport and the promotion of more environmentally responsible behaviour.

When selecting projects, environmental protection and the fight against global warming, as one of the horizontal priorities of Erasmus+, are given great importance. Therefore, when selecting projects, those projects that are aimed at developing competences in various green sectors are often promoted. For example: developing strategies and methodologies for green sector skills, creating future-oriented curricula, supporting initiatives, etc.

The program supports the use of innovative practices to enable students, staff and youth workers to become real change agents (eg save resources, reduce energy consumption, reduce waste and carbon footprint, choose sustainable food and energy efficient mobility options). Priority is also given to projects that - through education, training, youth and sports activities - enable behavior change at the individual level (such as: strengthening cultural values ​​for sustainable development, raising awareness and active social engagement).

The program advises organizations and participants involved in the program to take into account actions containing green practices during the design of the project, which will help to carry out these activities in an energy efficient (green way).  

Additional links: 

Erasmus+ horizontal priorities: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-a/priorities-of-the-erasmus-programme

The European Green Deal:

https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

Council Recommendation on Learning for Green Transformation:

https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-9242-2022-INIT/en/pdf

 

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Environment and fight against climate change

Environment and climate action are key priorities for the EU now and in the future. The European Green Deal Communication is the European new growth strategy and recognizing the key role of schools, training institutions and universities in engaging with pupils, parents, and the wider community on the changes needed for a successful transition to climate neutrality by 2050. 

In addition, the Council Recommendation on learning for the green transition emphasizes the need to provide learners of all ages with opportunities to find out about the climate crisis and sustainability through both formal and non-formal education, and to make learning for the green transition a priority in education and training policies and programs. Sustainability should become a part of the entire spectrum of education and training, including curricula, professional development for educators as well as buildings, infrastructure and operations. 

The Erasmus+ program is a key instrument for building knowledge, skills, and attitudes on climate change and supporting sustainable development within the European Union and beyond. The program will increase the number of mobility opportunities which foster the development of competencies, enhance career prospects and engage participants in strategic areas for sustainable growth, with special attention to rural development (sustainable farming, management of natural resources, soil protection, bio-agriculture ). Moreover, Erasmus+, with mobility at its core, should strive for carbon-neutrality by promoting sustainable transport modes and more environmentally responsible behavior.

Environment and the fight against global warming is a horizontal priority in selecting the projects. Priority will be given to projects aimed at developing competencies in various green sectors, including, developing green sectoral skills strategies and methodologies, future-oriented curricula, as well as initiatives that support the planned approaches of the participating organizations regarding environmental sustainability.

The Program supports the use of innovative practices to make learners, staff and youth workers true actors of change (eg save resources, reduce energy use, waste and carbon footprint, opt for sustainable food and mobility choices). Priority will also be given to projects that – through education, training, youth and sports activities – enable behavioral changes for individual preferences, cultural values, awareness, and more generally support active engagement for sustainable development.

Therefore, organizations and participants involved should strive to incorporate green practices in all projects when designing activities, which will encourage them to discuss and learn about environmental issues, to reflect about local actions and to come up with greener ways of implementing their activities.

Additional links: 

Erasmus+ Horizontal priorities: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-a/priorities-of-the-erasmus-programme

The European Green Deal Communication:

https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

The Council Recommendation on learning for the green transition:

https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-9242-2022-INIT/en/pdf