Empowering Climate Literacy through AI and Volunteer Teaching

Strategic Insights -

Paris-based young climate leaders from Tsinghua University conducted a five-day volunteer teaching activity at Shenzhen Zhili Middle School, imparting cutting-edge environmental knowledge and hands-on AI tools to middle school students. The event, themed "AI-Empowered Climate Literacy for a Shared Future: Accelerating Climate Action for Sustainable Development," was co-hosted by the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University. The university team designed and delivered ten interactive modules, including a Carbon Footprint Game and AI for Good to mock United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conferences of Parties (COP).

Key Takeaways:

  • The event, attended by middle school students, provided a comprehensive overview of climate diplomacy and the role of AI in addressing climate challenges.
  • The students participated in a mock COP activity, role-playing as global negotiators and debating climate change mitigation strategies.
  • The university team designed ten interactive modules, including the Carbon Footprint Game and AI for Good, to engage students and facilitate climate literacy.
  • The event highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and real-world applications in climate education.
  • The project has reached over 10 K-12 schools and kindergartens in five provinces, delivering 500 class hours to more than 4,000 students.
  • The program has been supported by the China Youth Development Foundation Mercedes-Benz Star Fund for three consecutive years.
  • The event marked the third consecutive year of the UNESCO and Tsinghua University-led Volunteer Teaching programme.
  • The program has enabled students to take an active role in addressing climate governance issues and becoming future guardians of the planet.
  • The volunteers have transformed climate issues into accessible dialogues, sparking action and inspiring curiosity among students.

Statistics:

  • The event involved 5 days of teaching and 10 interactive modules.
  • The program has reached over 10 K-12 schools and kindergartens in Guangdong, Sichuan, Hainan, Heilongjiang Provinces, and Beijing.
  • More than 4,000 students have benefited from the program, with 500 class hours delivered by volunteers.
  • The program has been supported by the China Youth Development Foundation Mercedes-Benz Star Fund for three consecutive years.
  • The students have gained practical knowledge of climate change mitigation strategies, including carbon monitoring, energy-system modeling, and green buildings.

Sources:

  • UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
  • Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University
  • China Youth Development Foundation Mercedes-Benz Star Fund
  • Shenzhen Zhili Middle School
  • BGI Group
  • Green Pine Capital Partners
  • Hello-Tech Co. Ltd
  • Biosphere-3 Carbon-Neutral Park
  • Shenzhen Press Group Education Media Center