Learning more about climate change

Kenneth N. Campaner

A Climate Change Education microsite containing curated reference and supplementary learning materials has been launched by the Department of Education to enhance the integration of climate change in the basic education curriculum.

The Climate Change education microsite (https://www.deped.gov.ph/climatechange-education/) is a repository of learning resources and references on climate change from partner organizations and institutions, including the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Association (PAGASA), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation Inc. (OML Center).

The initiative is led by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DepEdDRRMS), citing the immediate need for proactive response to the effects of climate change.

According to DepEd officials, the urgency of protecting the environment has become much more evident as we have been surviving on a yearly basis floods, earthquakes and storms which have led to the destruction of infrastructure, buildings, and of course, the loss of lives.

The said microsite was divided into four main sections: 1) DepEd-Developed Learning Resources (DDLRs), 2) References for Teachers, 3) External Learning Resources, and 4) DepEd’s Program on Climate Change Education. It also adheres to the fair-use policy on educational materials.

The microsite also offers references on climate science, climate change in the Philippines, adaptation and mitigation, sample learning activities, and free online courses. The references featured in the microsite are Open Educational Resources and can be used and redistributed these materials for free with proper citation.

APA citations were already provided on the microsite for the convenience of its user s.

To guide teachers, DepEd-DRRMS also created a manual on how to navigate the microsite, which can be accessed through this link: bit.ly/micrositemanual.

The initiative is part of the commitment of DepEd to intensify climate literacy and support climate action in the basic education sector by honing learners and personnel who are climate literate and proactive in championing resilient and sustainable schools.

***** at Tinang Elementary School, Concepcion North

The author District is Teacher

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