USask climate change education project launches data platform during United Nations conference
Led by the University of Saskatchewan (USask), the Monitoring and Evaluating Climate Communication and Education (MECCE) Project is a network of 100 leading scholars and agencies with a goal to increase climate change education, training, and public awareness on a global scale.
During the Bonn Climate Change Conference held by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in early June, the MECCE Project published an update to its Interactive Data Platform which allows for a cross-country comparison and mutual learning on what is needed to advance Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE). The platform was unveiled during the ACE-Focal Point Academy portion of the climate change conference.
“The data platform was developed through a new partnership with Microsoft, and is a resource for policymakers, researchers, and other interested stakeholders to explore indicators related to climate change communication and education,” said principal investigator Dr. Marcia McKenzie (PhD) of USask.
McKenzie added that this research will enhance not just the quantity but also the quality of climate change communication and education globally. Knowledge mobilization for climate change communication and education is important to create momentum and encourage all stakeholders worldwide to take more climate action.
The ACE-Focal Point Academy was attended in person by 60 National Government ACE Focal Points, with an additional 15 participating online. The group represented a diverse set of people, highlighting the global interest and commitment to enhancing climate change communication and education. Many people attending emphasised the importance of the event and stressed that more guidance is needed in the future.
“The MECCE Project’s efforts highlight the importance of evidence-informed climate change communication and education strategies, by building capacity, fostering international collaboration, and leveraging the power of data-driven approaches,” said McKenzie. “The MECCE Project continues to play a significant role in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.”
About MECCE:
The Monitoring and Evaluation of Climate Change Education partnership, led by USask’s College of Education, is comprised of more than 100 prominent scholars and agencies working on climate change communication and education. This includes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and Germany are key partners. The project is funded through a $2.5-million grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), with an additional $2 million in matching funding from partners.
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