EDU-CLIMA: Cross-disciplinary EDUcation for CLIMate Action is a collaborative initiative by six universities in the Arqus European University Alliance (Graz, Wrocław, Padua, Granada, Leipzig, Minho) aimed at responding to the complex challenges of climate change through innovative, cross-disciplinary education. The initiative draws on the diverse expertise and resources of its member institutions to foster new approaches to climate action education, focusing on both in-person and virtual formats. It is structured around two main components: a hybrid kick-off networking event hosted by the University of Graz and a multi-month hybrid webinar series organised by all partner universities.
EDU-CLIMA is grounded in the belief that education is vital for promoting climate literacy — a blend of knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and behaviours necessary for meaningful climate action. Recognizing that awareness alone does not always translate into pro-environmental behaviours, the project seeks to address the knowledge-action gap by leveraging social, cultural, and disciplinary diversity. The initiative includes practical tools like the Eco-Storytelling toolbox and engageMINT-Wissen platform to inspire creative and multifaceted engagement with climate issues.
The programme aims to empower students, educators, and the broader public to engage proactively with climate challenges, not just through traditional activism but also through collaborative ventures across science, culture, the arts and more. By openly sharing teaching methods, research, and ideas via accessible webinars and community events, EDU-CLIMA demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, open knowledge dissemination, and societal engagement.
Ultimately, EDU-CLIMA aspires to embed climate action as a core element of university missions, create lasting cross-sector networks, and serve as a scalable model for collaborative action within the Arqus network, contributing to transformative educational practices, research, and public awareness addressing climate change.
The conference programme can be viewed here.
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