ISLAND NATIONS AROUND THE WORLD ADOPT EARTHDAY.ORG CLIMATE EDUCATION LANGUAGE TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE  

Washington, DC (April 7, 2025) – Today, on World Health Day, EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the global leader in Earth Day advocacy, observed by over one billion people every April 22, is pleased to announce the island nations of Maldives, Saint. Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda have adopted the model language of EARTHDAY.ORG on climate education into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), 3.0. 

This significant development underscores the critical intersection of climate action and global health, recognizing that addressing the climate crisis is essential for safeguarding the well-being of populations worldwide. This is particularly crucial for regions facing heightened vulnerability, such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where the impacts of climate change pose an existential threat to communities and their health infrastructure.

This adoption is a significant step in the global effort to address climate change through education, awareness, and actionable policies. As a result, all three nations have been elevated to either Category 1 or Category 2 of the EARTHDAY.ORG Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Tracker launched in December 2024.

“The clock is ticking on updates to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with COP30 fast approaching. Fiji, Saint. Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda have each taken critically important steps by integrating our language on climate education into their NDCs,” says Kathleen Rogers, President, EARTHDAY.ORG. “But climate education is not just about combating the climate crisis—it’s a critical foundation for training the global workforce, equipping everyone with the green skills needed to thrive in an evolving economy, and empowering businesses to grow sustainably in a rapidly changing world.”

EARTHDAY.ORG’s NDC framework calls for countries to commit to integrating climate change education across all levels of their education systems and to prioritize climate literacy for all students. 

This framework recognizes that climate education is a crucial component in preparing students with the skills they need to contribute to the global economy, fostering informed, proactive responses to the climate crisis. It promotes an understanding of the profound links between climate change with both biological and mental health issues. 

“Knowledge fosters awareness, comprehension, and critical thinking. Education is a fundamental tool in building climate resilience. Just as literacy paved the way for the first Industrial Revolution, climate education will ignite the next revolution, one that addresses the climate crisis.” Max Falcone, Global Advisor, EARTHDAY.ORG

This is especially important for island nations, which are facing immediate climate change threats. They need to prepare not only for the dangers to physical safety caused by extreme weather events, but also for the long-term health impacts of climate change, such as the spread of disease, malnutrition, and the strain on healthcare systems. Equally important is addressing the mental health challenges—stress, trauma, and anxiety—that come with displacement, loss of livelihoods, and the erosion of cultural identity.

“For the Maldives, preparing future generations is not just a priority, it is fundamental to effective climate action,” says H.E. Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Maldives. “However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events threatens education by disrupting learning, damaging educational facilities, and impacting student well-being. Recognizing this, our third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) prioritizes equipping young people with green skills to drive resilience and low-carbon development. Strengthening climate literacy and technical training will enhance adaptation efforts and contribute to building a more sustainable and secure future for the Maldives.”

By adopting EARTHDAY.ORG’s climate education guidelines, the Maldives, Saint Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda are leading by example. We acknowledge the disproportionate impact climate change has on vulnerable island populations and its serious consequences for health and well-being. Announcing this on World Health Day highlights this issue.

“The Maldives, like St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda, have shown real leadership on tackling the climate crisis,’ says Karuna Singh, Regional Director, Asia, EARTHDAY.ORG. “As small island developing states (SIDS), they are already witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change — from rising sea levels threatening coastal communities to more frequent and intense cyclones. Their commitment to climate education is not just about policy, but about safeguarding their future and empowering their citizens to confront the climate crisis head-on.”

“The critically important role of education cannot be overstated,” says Rodolfo Beltran, Regional Director, South America, “It’s time for other nations to step up and show solidarity by supporting by adding meaningful climate education into their own NDCs. The time to act is now. Mitigating climate change requires a united and engaged global community— to  ensure that no country is left behind in the race for a sustainable future.”

For more information about EARTHDAY.ORG’s work in advancing climate education, please visit our website here.

About EARTHDAY.ORG: Founded in 1970 by the organizers of the first Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG has grown into the world’s largest environmental movement, mobilizing over one billion people annually to protect the planet and its people. Our mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental community globally. This year Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary and has designated this year’s Earth Day theme as Our Power, Our Planet. Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG.

For media inquiries:   Terran Fielder, [email protected], +1 661 444 4436