Climate-Conscious Classrooms: Rethinking Children's Education Policy for a Sustainable Future

As the climate crisis intensifies, the need for comprehensive climate education in schools has never been more urgent. However, in Canada, climate awareness and sustainability are not consistently integrated into the national curriculum. Where climate change is addressed, it is often confined to science classrooms, leaving gaps in students' understanding of the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of the crisis. A truly modernized education system must embed environmental responsibility across subjects, ensuring that students grow up not only informed but also empowered to take meaningful action. Without institutional support, educators often struggle to incorporate sustainability into their lessons, leading to patchy, inconsistent learning experiences for students.

Beyond the classroom, children's media plays a crucial role in shaping young minds, as storytelling has the power to foster a sense of connection to the natural world, making environmental responsibility feel both urgent and personal. By examining the intersection of education, policy, and storytelling, this conversation highlights what is needed to ensure that the next generation is prepared to confront the climate crisis head-on. This episode of Beyond the Headlines will explore how education policy and media can work together to create a generation of environmentally literate citizens, featuring insights from this week's special guests.

A dedicated teacher, educator, researcher, and artist, Dr. Hilary Inwood leads the Sustainability & Climate Action Network at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. Her work centers on the critical role of education in addressing the climate crisis. Through her graduate courses on environmental and sustainability education, and her coordination of large-scale collaborations between OISE and the Toronto District School Board, Dr. Inwood is pioneering initiatives that empower teachers and embed transformative climate change education into the fabric of our schools.

Mary Bredin is an award-winning television producer, media executive, and lifelong climate activist with over 25 years of experience in animation and children's media. With an international background that spans roles at Canal+, Disney Channels Worldwide, and Viasat, Mary has been at the forefront of developing engaging, climate-conscious children’s programming. Her impressive portfolio includes an Emmy nomination for Justin Time, executive production for the Netflix hit True and the Rainbow Kingdom, and co-creation of Disney Junior’s Pikwik Pack. Currently a consultant at Green Tiger Club Ltd., Mary brings a unique blend of creative vision and business acumen to the challenge of using media as a tool for environmental education.

Produced by: Julia Brahy