Climate change is already affecting communities throughout Australia, with 2016 and 2020 tied as the hottest years on record at 1.2°C above pre-industrial times and 2023 looks set to break these records. Australia has experienced changes in extreme weather, with more frequent and intense heatwaves, storms, flooding and bushfires. Government departments, private organisations and community groups are planning, developing and implementing strategies to address current and projected changes to our climate.

Please join us for the upcoming ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS) online professional short course – Climate Essentials for Teachers – convened by Professor Mark Howden, ICEDS Director and Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The Climate Essentials for Teachers course will provide an overview of the latest developments around climate change. The course will help teachers develop an understanding of the ways evidence and misinformation can be communicated and addressed, the social justice and cultural dimensions of this knowledge, opportunities to focus on human health and innovative solutions, and ways to support student wellbeing when communicating about these issues.

Presenters will include global leaders in climate science and communication, as well as practising teachers and education researchers.

NOTE for NSW Teachers: This short course is NESA accredited for 10 hours of professional learning for NSW registered teachers.

Speakers/Topics

• Introduction and welcome
• Understanding climate change and extremes - Professor Mark Howden, ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions. 
• First Nations science and knowledges on climate change - Bhiamie Williamson, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University.
• Teaching about climate change - Tanja Russell , ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, and Sharon Forwood, Kildare Catholic College, Wagga Wagga.
• Dealing with climate misinformation - Associate Professor Will Grant, ANU National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science.
• Communicating climate change - Dr Bec Colvin, ANU Crawford School of Public Policy.
• Climate inequality and social justice - Dr Arnagretta Hunter, ANU College of Health and Medicine. 
• Climate innovations and building a 'better' future - Dr Jenny Newell, Australian Museum.

Course logistics, a detailed version of the course program, and optional reading materials will be made available to participants before the course begins.

Registrations for this course are via Humanitix (100% of Humantix profits go to education charities).

Details

• The course is delivered online, in real-time. The staggered structure is designed to maximise engagement and is based on current research relating to online course design.
• The course program includes nine topic sessions over three afternoons (three sessions per day) with each session punctuated by a short break and group discussions.
• Participation will be via the Zoom video conferencing tool, allowing direct interaction and discussion with lecturers and other course participants.
• Course timings are 1.30pm - 4.45pm daily.

Important information

• Cost: $440 (GST inc) for Australian registered teachers - registrations are open until Friday 1 December 2023 or until tickets are sold out.
• This course will take place subject to demand. Registrants will receive a full refund in the unlikely event that the course is cancelled. Places are limited and registrations are on a 'first come - first served' basis. Registrations close on 1 December 2023. For more refund details, see our Refund Policy.
• To receive an ANU Certificate of Participation for this course, participants must attend a minimum of 50% of the online sessions.