Lagos is 34°C hot today, 19th of March, 2025. I know you may be forced to say it is normal…as the hottest months in Lagos, Nigeria are generally considered to be February and March (with average daytime temperatures reaching around 91°F (32°C). Still, there is no denying that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident.
I am currently working from home but even at that, I can only help but wonder how children in schools are coping under this excessive heat. Whether under a sheltered roof or inside the classroom, the truth of the matter is -“It is simply too hot to learn”.
I am sure there are a bunch of inquisitive school children among the Gen-Alphas who are already asking their parents and teachers why it is so hot. When children ask these questions, what answers will we give them? Beyond the fact that millions of children are out of school, the climate change crisis calls for the marriage of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 [Quality Education] and Sustainable Development Goal 13 [Climate change].
The extreme weather conditions, rising temperatures and the peripheral effects are holding back progress in education, especially for school children. On the other hand, the Education crisis- the fact that many children who are currently in school are not receiving quality education and learning the skills required for today’s world including developing global citizenship mindset, developing green skills for the economy in turn holds back progress on climate action.
What better time to really think of solutions for climate smart education than now? Educational systems must evolve beyond traditional frameworks too. We need to cultivate a generation equipped not just with knowledge of basic science, but with the skills to build resilient communities.
Climate-resilient education integrates sustainability across disciplines rather than treating it as a standalone subject. It emphasizes systems thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—qualities essential for navigating an uncertain future. When students understand the interconnections between economic decisions, social structures, and environmental outcomes, they’re better positioned to develop holistic solutions.
Educational institutions themselves must model resilience through sustainable infrastructure and practices. Schools can serve as living laboratories where students learn by participating in energy conservation, waste reduction, and green space development.
Furthermore, climate education must be culturally responsive and place-based, acknowledging that communities face different climate challenges. Indigenous knowledge systems offer valuable perspectives on sustainable living that should be incorporated alongside scientific approaches.
By reimagining education through this lens, we prepare young people not just to survive but to thrive in creating more sustainable and equitable societies—turning the challenge of climate change into oceans of opportunities.