Consultative workshop on ECCD and Climate ChangeClimate change is a pressing global crisis that poses significant threats to the sustainability of life on Earth. Its impacts are far-reaching, affecting livelihoods, ecosystems and most importantly, the well-being of future generations. Children, in particular are vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change which can disrupt their health, safety, education and overall development. Early exposure to the impacts of climate change can have profound consequences for children’s health, safety, learning and well-being. To mitigate these risks and empower children to be resilient and adaptable, it is imperative to integrate climate change education into ECCD programs and curricula. The Ministry of Education and Skills Development and a Community-based Organization for Climate Change and Education (CARE Bhutan) with support of ARNEC (Asia Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood) and UNICEF organized a two-day consultative workshop on ECCD and Climate Change on August 21 and 22 to brainstorm strategies for integrating climate change into ECCD and develop a plan of action. Five international experts supported by ARNEC and national stakeholders including representatives from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (MoENR), MoESD, Paro College of Education, UNICEF, Save the Children, Dzongkhag Education, Health and Environment Sector Heads from Paro and Thimphu, and ECCD practitioners from the field participated in the workshop. The deliberations emphasized the need for the inclusion of children in climate discourses and recommended specific actions to integrate climate change in ECCD programs including the following: 1. Strengthen advocacy on climate change and its impact on young children 2. Integrate climate action into learning processes in ECCD centres and parenting education programs 3. Integrate climate change into ECCD curriculum and develop curriculum resources. 4. Strengthen climate-related legislation and include children in climate-related actions and programs. ![]() Location
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