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Project title

Challenging the Climate Crisis: Children�s Agency to TAckle Policy Underpinned by Learning for Transformation

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Frances Fahy

Project Abstract

There is emerging consensus that lack of effective climate leadership, combined with institutional inertia and confused governance mechanisms, is resulting in widespread climate indifference or extremism. We seek to co-create new knowledge through the �eyes and ears� of children, teachers and other supporters of learning on how they situate and make sense of their lives in relation to climate complexity. Using a child-led methodology, CCC-CATAPULT aims to critically examine educational influences on children�s climate and environment focused learning and agency at a time when �eco-anxiety� is starting to become a defining characteristic of the climate emergency. Overarching areas of enquiry are: How do children, teachers and other key actors shaping the learning of children, understand the value-action gap in tackling the climate emergency? Through their sense-making, what might legitimate transformation look like in relation to reducing the gap? Our project will: (1) explore existing and potentially new social norms, worldviews, possible tensions and eco-anxieties; (2) co-create a vision for transformed climate-focused education in each context; (3) deep map insights/actions to enable transformation; (4) co-develop a methodology/toolkit to better link education knowledge with policymaking; (5) co-deliver and evaluate a set of research-informed activities inside/outside educational settings; & (6) co-develop recommendations.

Grant Approved

�148,450.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/12/2020

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2023