Education Plays a Strategic Role in Overcoming Climate Change in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul

Strategic Insights -

Rio Grande do Sul's state government, in partnership with the World Bank and Todos Pela Educacao movement, has launched the International Seminar on Education, Climate Change, and Resilience in Porto Alegre. The seminar, running from May 8 to 9, brings together government representatives, experts, and civil society organizations to discuss the role of education in building a safer and more sustainable future for the entire school community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The state government recognizes the strategic role of education in tackling climate change, with Lieutenant Governor Gabriel Souza emphasizing that education is the most effective way to prepare society for a culture of climate resilience.
  • The seminar is a strategic moment for the State School System, with Secretary of Education Raquel Teixeira highlighting the need to place education at the center of the climate resilience process.
  • The seminar features thematic panels addressing different dimensions of the intersection between education and climate change, bringing together experts from Japan, Peru, Uruguay, Ecuador, UNESCO, and several Brazilian institutions.
  • Student protagonism is highlighted in the seminar's conduct, with two State School students, Maria Isabelly and Alef Caina, leading the program presentations.
  • The 2025-2035 Education Agenda for the state is presented as a central component of the Rio Grande Plan, aiming to protect the population, rebuild Rio Grande do Sul, and make it even stronger and more resilient.

Statistics:

  • Over 750,000 students and more than 1,000 schools were affected by the massive disaster in the state.
  • The seminar has the potential to transform Rio Grande do Sul's experiences into an international benchmark, according to World Bank Director Andreas Blom.
  • The seminar features approximately 200 in-person participants and viewers who watched the broadcast on TV Seduc RS.
  • The seminar aims to discuss the current scenario and challenges faced by the state, with a focus on implementing solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure that schools are prepared to overcome adverse situations.

Sources:

  • "Estado de Río Grande do Sul" (English: State of Rio Grande do Sul)

https://estado.rs.gov.br/seminario-internacional-debate-papel-da-educacao-frente-as-mudancas-climaticas (Translated version)