Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper


Vol.31 (November Suppl. Issue): 2025

Page Number: S478-S483

EMPOWERING YOUTH FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: INTEGRATING LIFE SKILLS AND CLIMATE EDUCATION

Bindu T.V. and A.R. Saravanakumar

Abstract

The escalating climate crisis demands urgent action, with education playing a pivotal role in empowering youth to address environmental challenges. Traditional education systems often treat climate change as a theoretical concept rather than integrating actionable skills, leaving students ill-equipped to tackle real world sustainability issues. By merging life skills such as critical thinking, emotional resilience, collaboration and financial literacy with climate education, will foster a generation capable of driving meaningful environmental and social change. Thus, the paper explores the critical intersection of life skills and climate education, arguing that a holistic approach is essential for preparing young people to adapt, innovate and lead in an increasingly climate-vulnerable world. Sweden’s climate-smart schools, Kenya’s green clubs and Fiji’s disaster preparedness training demonstrate successful models of this approach. By equipping young people with the tools to navigate and mitigate climate impacts can cultivate resilient leaders who will shape a sustainable future.