education
Newsletter
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Nicholas Kristof: Climate change’s overlooked impacts on daily life
Rising global temperatures are quietly affecting human health, education, and behavior, not just fueling apocalyptic scenarios.
In short:
- Extreme heat is linked to more accidents, suicides, and violent crimes, as well as worse academic performance.
- Wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, are causing widespread air pollution, leading to thousands of premature deaths yearly.
- Rising temperatures disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups, worsening inequality in education and health.
Key quote:
“The familiar climate catastrophe framing may be missing some of the most important features of the real climate change story.”
— R. Jisung Park, economist at the University of Pennsylvania
Why this matters:
Climate change’s incremental effects are already taking a toll on human well-being. Focusing solely on catastrophic outcomes risks overlooking the current, tangible harm caused by even modest warming, especially among vulnerable populations.
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Fossil fuel emissions disrupt education worldwide
Rising global temperatures, driven by fossil fuel use, are causing widespread school closures, threatening education progress for millions of children.
In short:
- Extreme heat has led to significant school closures in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines, affecting millions of students.
- Children today experience far more extreme heat days than previous generations, with those in low-income countries most affected.
- Climate change is projected to worsen these disruptions, with children in vulnerable regions facing the greatest educational setbacks.
Key quote:
“We are deeply concerned that the number of extreme heat days is going to indirectly lead to learning loss.”
— Lily Caprani, chief of advocacy for Unicef.
Why this matters:
The educational progress made in recent decades is at risk, particularly in the world's most climate-vulnerable regions. Without significant adaptation and mitigation efforts, millions of children could be deprived of their right to education.
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Top business schools are shifting MBA programs to focus on climate
Top business schools like Wharton are adapting their MBA programs to meet the growing demand for expertise in climate and sustainability, preparing graduates to navigate and capitalize on the evolving climate economy.
In short:
- Wharton’s new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) major became its sixth most popular within a year, reflecting student demand.
- The program teaches how ESG factors impact business finances, highlighting both risks and opportunities in the climate transition.
- Growing interest in climate-related careers has led to more students pursuing roles in green investing and corporate sustainability.
Key quote:
“I wanted to bring more purpose to what I was doing professionally, try to be more mission-focused. I wanted to do something that would make the future a more liveable place.”
— Caroline Haley, second year MBA student.
Why this matters:
As the climate crisis reshapes industries, business leaders with expertise in sustainability will be essential for driving both economic growth and environmental progress. These programs signal a broader shift in how future executives are being trained to tackle global challenges.
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A climate-themed version of Catan sparks new conversations
A new version of the popular board game Catan, called New Energies, aims to make discussing climate change more engaging by incorporating elements of renewable energy and fossil fuels.
In short:
- New Energies, released in June, is the latest addition to the Catan series, focusing on balancing renewable energy and fossil fuels.
- Players can win by collecting 10 points through fossil fuels or green energy, or by having the lowest carbon footprint if pollution maxes out.
- The game seeks to normalize renewable technologies and remove controversy around climate change discussions.
Key quote:
“It’s experimenting with them in a safe environment, and having this sort of social contract with other people to discuss and reflect together.”
— Daniel Fernández Galeote, gamification researcher and playbook contributor
Why this matters:
Engaging people in conversations about climate change through fun and interactive mediums like board games can bridge the gap between awareness and action, encouraging more sustainable behaviors.
Related EHN coverage:
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Countries neglect children in climate adaptation plans
Many countries' climate adaptation plans fail to address the specific needs of children, with one-third not mentioning them at all, a new study finds.
In short:
- A study of 160 countries shows 28% of national climate adaptation plans do not mention children.
- One-third of plans that mention children only address a single area, such as education, with none addressing mental health.
- Experts cite a lack of advocacy, funding, collaboration, and data as reasons for this oversight.
Key quote:
“Children’s mental health is a crucial public health concern that requires immediate action.”
— Kathrin Zangerl, pediatrician and the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health
Why this matters:
Children are uniquely susceptible to the impacts of climate change, from heatwaves and flooding to food and water insecurity. Yet, despite their heightened vulnerability, the study found that policymakers often overlook the distinct challenges children face. This omission could have serious long-term consequences, not only for their health and development but also for their ability to thrive in a changing world.
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Climate change is becoming a focus in medical school education
Amid rising concerns about the health impacts of climate change, medical students around the world are advocating for enhanced climate health education in their curricula.
In short:
- Harvard Medical School implemented a climate change curriculum in 2022, driven by student advocacy.
- Surveys show that students find the curriculum valuable for understanding climate-related health impacts.
- Similar programs are emerging in medical schools worldwide to prepare future doctors for climate health challenges.
Key quote:
"This is not just about teaching climate change, but it’s about good medicine."
— Dr. Gaurab Basu, director of education and policy, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment
Why this matters:
Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and poor air quality are linked to a range of health problems, from respiratory issues to heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases. Medical students argue that understanding these connections is crucial for effective patient care and public health strategies.
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Opinion: Fossil fuel industry obstructs renewable energy progress
Despite renewable energy being more affordable and prevalent, the fossil fuel industry is using misinformation and lobbying to hinder its adoption.
In short:
- Fossil fuel interests are using tactics like lobbying and spreading misinformation to prevent the adoption of cheaper renewable energy.
- Renewables now produce 30% of the world's electricity, yet fossil fuel companies falsely claim they are unreliable and harmful.
- Misleading narratives and political donations are used to sway public opinion and policy against renewable energy.
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel misinformation delays the transition to renewable energy, which is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Armed with deep pockets and political influence, those in the fossil fuel industry are deploying strategies aimed at slowing the transition to cleaner energy. This includes spreading misinformation about the reliability and efficiency of renewables, and casting doubt on the urgency of climate change.
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