Empowering Secondary Education Teachers for Sustainable Climate Action

Abstract

Climate change education plays an important role in sustainable climate action, but there is a lack of knowledge about how middle and high school teachers address it. This presents an opportunity to explore the research on these essential agents of education in promoting sustainable behaviors among adolescents. This study aims to systematically identify and analyze the existing scientific literature concerning the knowledge, perspectives, challenges, and opportunities of middle and high school teachers regarding climate change as an educational topic. The review protocol adheres to the PRISMA extension for scoping review statements. The methodology includes the establishment of eligibility criteria, consultation of Scopus and Web of Science databases, implementation of a search strategy based on a preliminary scoping exercise, and the utilization of the CADIMA online tool to facilitate the selection and data collection processes. This systematic process resulted in a sample of 41 studies, which were rigorously analyzed. Results suggest multiple factors that challenge how teachers address climate change in their classrooms. Curricular constraints, limited school time, controversy surrounding the phenomenon, and lack of training emerge as potential obstacles. However, these challenges also present opportunities to improve and promote sustainable climate action among young students.