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There’s Only One Planet Earth

Afbeelding voor There’s Only One Planet Earth
Our Summit for Adolescents, which takes place on Saturday 25 June, invites young people from around Europe (and beyond), to explore the question:  "How can we live sustainably and contribute positively to climate change?" This global issue can be overwhelming, however, school and local community initiatives can be, and should be, at the heart of this much needed change.

Dr. Montessori, in Citizen of the World, wrote that “We must study the correlation between life and its environment. In nature everything correlates. This is the method of nature. Nature is not concerned with the conservation of individual life: it is a harmony, a plan of construction” (2019: 22, Kindle Edition).

In August 2021, UN Secretary General António Guterres commented on the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, warning that we are facing a “Code Red for Humanity”. Echoing the scientists’ findings in that report, he hoped that “If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe. But, as today’s report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses.”

The youngest generations have been left with an appalling legacy. A world torn apart by conflict and humanitarian crises, worsened by increasing levels of uncertainty about our future caused by climate change. The world is home to 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 to 24 — the largest generation of youth in history. “My generation has largely failed until now to preserve both justice in the world and to preserve the planet. It is your generation that must make us be accountable to make sure that we don’t betray the future of humankind” says United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres.

As Judith Cunningham, Vice President of Montessori Europe, wrote in a blog post in early September last year, “This is the moment for us as Montessorians to support Dr Montessori’s legacy of deep ecology by implementing meaningful actions in our classrooms in response to the climate crisis. These actions will empower our students to contribute to a better future.”

The challenge ahead of us seems almost insurmountable. But as the star fish story reminds us… We can make a difference, by taking one small step at a time.

If you are looking for inspiration on how to engage your students with climate change and making a positive contribution, these resources might be of interest.

 

If you would like your students to participate in the Summit, please contact us.