RCE Waikato Lightning in New Zealand aims to address the lack of climate education in schools through three main strategies: implementing a youth leadership program to advocate for political action on climate change, collaborating with educational institutions to develop coherent climate learning programs for schools, and creating a professional development program to support teachers. This initiative supports quality education, climate action, decent work, and partnerships by preparing students to lead urgently on climate issues and transitioning to renewable energy and sustainable jobs.

1. RCE Waikato Lightning Asia-Pacific RCE Hangzhou 2019
1. RCE Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand
2. RCE Challenge/Issue:
• Lack of provision of climate education in formal education inadequate national planning and fragmented
provision in informal and industry sectors
3. RCE Education Strategy and Response to Challenge/Issue.
• Programme of youth / student leadership, a concerted youth voice for political action
• Collaborating with schools, NGO’s and Universities to bring coherence to climate learning programmes and
support provision in schools.
• Anticipate providing a professional development programme
4. Links to the SDGs and what targets this initiative addresses?
• Quality Education (SDG 4) – addresses - inclusive society, preparation for just transitions to
renewable energy and diversified agriculture
• Climate Action (SDG 13) – students leading urgency . Youth-led Zero carbon
• Decent work (SDG 8) –Vocational education for new jobs re Just Transitions
• Partnerships (SDG 17) – Schools, NGO’s, Academics, Faith groups, government
Generation
Zero