Rebuilding environmental education in the Be.Eco program for schools

The Digital University Foundation, preparing individuals for future challenges, is launching the fourth edition of the Be.Eco program, focusing on the decline in biodiversity. Why? According to The Nature Conservancy, over 80 percent of European ecosystems are in poor condition. Teachers participating in the Be.Eco program will learn about key issues, integrating climate knowledge into the curriculum, providing tools needed to understand and protect the environment now.

Mission: biodiversity

Europe is struggling with an environmental crisis. More than 80 percent of ecosystems are in poor condition due to the intensification of agriculture, urban expansion, forestry practices, and air pollution. Freshwater ecosystems are disappearing three times faster than forests worldwide. According to The Nature Conservancy, the number of freshwater plants and animals has declined – since 1970, 83 percent of these species have disappeared, and 30 percent of freshwater ecosystems have degraded. The hope for reversing these changes lies in the new law adopted by the European Parliament in 2024. It aims to restore nature in at least 20 percent of land and sea areas in Europe by 2030, and by 2050, it will cover all ecosystems in need of restoration.

Green school

Be.Eco activates both teachers and students throughout the year through competitions and eco-challenges. – Introducing climate education in schools is crucial because teachers also play a role in how young generations are prepared for conscious and responsible living. Students need to acquire knowledge about the causes and effects of climate change so that they can make thoughtful decisions in the future regarding their lifestyle, consumption, and social engagement. Together, we have a significant impact, and our actions today shape tomorrow – emphasizes Ela Wojciechowska, president of the Digital University Foundation.

Webinar schedule

September 17, 2024: Training for effective teaching in the age of AI.
October 1, 2024: Creating educational materials using AI.
October 15, 2024: EU biodiversity strategy 2030 in school practice.
November 19, 2024: Water ecosystems in the era of the climate crisis.
December 10, 2024: Forest ecosystem in the era of the climate crisis.