by Ale Okada
Education for a Sustainable Future: Reflections from the NYC Green School Conference 2025
During Climate Week NYC and the 80th United Nations General Assembly, I had the privilege of participating in the 9th NYC Green School Conference 2025—a gathering that brought together education leaders, youth activists, policymakers, and sustainability practitioners from across the globe.
Sharing the CARE–KNOW–DO Model
I was honored to present the CARE–KNOW–DO model, a framework that guides three initiatives I’m passionate about leading:
🔹 METEOR Project – Advancing researchers’ professional education for sustainability, equipping the next generation of scientists with the knowledge and tools to address environmental challenges.
🔹 CONNECT Project – Empowering school students through real-world science projects that connect classroom learning to pressing environmental issues.
🔹 CATCHUP Education Project – Providing foundational skills and social-emotional learning to children in crisis areas affected by climate change, ensuring that those most impacted by environmental disruption don’t lose access to quality education and psychological support.
The model is simple but powerful: we must help learners care about sustainability challenges, know the science and solutions, and feel empowered to do something meaningful about them.
Learning from Inspiring Voices
The panel discussions were enriching, and I was fortunate to exchange ideas with remarkable co-panelists:
✨ Dr. Jai Asundi, Executive Director of the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), Bangalore, India—whose work bridges research and policy in transformative ways.
✨ Viraf Mehta, Teacher at The Browning School, New York, USA—bringing ground-level insights from educators on the frontlines of green education.
Key Takeaways
Seven themes emerged as central to the future of climate-conscious education:
1. Greening Education is Urgent
Sustainability can no longer be treated as an elective or add-on. It must become a foundational pillar of education at all levels—from primary schools to universities and professional training.
2. Youth Leadership Matters
Young people aren’t just the future—they’re leading climate action today. Programs like Pupils for the Planet showcase how students are driving real change in their schools and communities.
3. Fun and Engagement are Essential
Learning about climate change doesn’t have to be doom and gloom. Gamification, interactive experiments, outdoor learning, and creative projects make sustainability education joyful and memorable. When learners are engaged and having fun, they’re more likely to retain knowledge and take action. The most effective programs blend serious content with playful, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and imagination.
4. Education in Crisis Areas Cannot Be Forgotten
Climate change is already disrupting education in vulnerable regions through displacement, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity. We must prioritize foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning for children in climate-affected areas. Building resilience isn’t just about environmental adaptation—it’s about ensuring every child has the psychological support and educational foundation to rebuild their future with hope and agency.
5. Cross-Sector Collaboration is Essential
Systemic change requires governments, universities, businesses, and civil society to work together. Siloed efforts won’t be enough; we need integrated strategies and shared accountability.
6. Green Career Pathways are Growing
Sustainability is no longer confined to environmental science. Green careers are emerging across industries—from finance and engineering to design and policy—creating new opportunities for purpose-driven work.
7. Technology and Storytelling Drive Change
Digital tools and creative narratives have immense power to shift mindsets and behaviors. Whether through data visualization, immersive experiences, or compelling stories, these approaches help people connect emotionally with climate issues.
Moving Forward
This conference reaffirmed my belief that climate-conscious education is central to building equitable, resilient, and sustainable futures. The path forward requires us to think beyond traditional models and embrace innovation, collaboration, and youth voice—while ensuring that the most vulnerable learners aren’t left behind.
As educators, researchers, and changemakers, we have a responsibility—and an opportunity—to ensure that every learner is equipped not just with knowledge, but with the agency and inspiration to create a better world.
The conversations that began at Climate Week NYC must continue. Let’s keep building bridges, sharing solutions, and empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders. 🌿📚
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