As climate change accelerates, its impacts on education systems are becoming impossible to ignore. From submerged schools in Bangladesh to heatwave-related closures in Pakistan, extreme weather events disrupt learning for millions of children annually, particularly in the Global South.

Climate change poses one of the most significant threats to global development, particularly in vulnerable regions of this region. This is because rising temperatures, extreme weather events and sea-level rise disproportionately affect low-income countries – disrupting livelihoods, infrastructure and education systems.

In this connection, global frameworks like the UNFCCC, Sendai, and SDGs, provide essential guidance for climate-resilient education. For example, SDG 4 relates to quality education, SDG 13 on climate action intersection in promoting resilient education. Similarly, SDG 4.7 mandates education for sustainable development (ESD), including climate change awareness, and then SDG 13.3 calls for improved climate education globally.

The Paris Agreement 2015 in its’ Article 12 emphasised climate education and public awareness, pushing nations to integrate climate change into school programs. Also, the first Global Stocktake (GST) 2023 highlighted education as a key enabler of climate adaptation, urging stronger policy linkages.

Climate-smart education is an emerging approach that integrates climate adaptation and disaster preparedness into learning environments, ensuring continuity and safety for students and educators. The concept is built on foundational pillars such as resilient school infrastructure designed to withstand floods, cyclones and extreme heat; adaptive learning systems and multi-use facilities that can serve as emergency shelters during disasters; curricula that incorporate climate change, sustainability and........

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