In honour of Earth Week, University of Toronto scholars Preety Sharma and Ayeshah Haque penned an article for The Conversation about how educators can contribute to the fight against climate change. The authors call for supporting educators to impart “green muscle memory” in their students; that is, teaching students to implement eco-friendly habits, routines, and attitudes. They argue that repetitive and consistent actions–like using reusable water bottles–contribute to overall behavioural changes while alleviating climate-related despair and anxiety. Sharma and Haque additionally recommend embedding climate education into all aspects of curricula, offering training for teachers and complementary programs, and exploring opportunities for experiential- and project-based learning; all of which, they say, promotes behavioural changes.
