In celebration of World Education Day 2022, ECO-UNESCO has launched an ECO Academy to give young people access to environmental education anywhere and at any time. 

ECO-UNESCO, Ireland’s leading environmental education and youth organisation has launched ECO Academy following a youth survey they conducted in which 93% of young people want climate action to become a bigger part of their school life.

The online portal will give young people access to accredited environmental education including TY Modules and QQI Certifications. The courses focus on topics including Fast Fashion, Climate Justice, Sustainable Development and ‘6 Steps to Success’. 

Elaine Nevin, National Director of ECO-UNESCO commented: 

“ECO-UNESCO works with over 10,000 young people each year and as a result of the pandemic, we have seen just how passionate young people are about taking climate action. Young people have continued to work on action projects and get involved in our programmes while at home. Because of this, we saw an opportunity to create an online portal to develop further access to environmental education online. 

In a recent survey by ECO-UNESCO, 88% of young people are either involved or want to get involved with climate action with 52% of respondents saying they would like more opportunities to be involved in climate action projects. Young people are clearly eager to learn more about the solutions to our climate issues and these courses will be the perfect opportunity for them to get involved and take action.” 

ECO-UNESCO are now encouraging young people to enrol in their free ‘YEA 6 steps to Success’ course ahead of their National Young Environmental Awards (YEA) programme taking place in May. The course will equip young people with essential skills and helpful techniques to carry out their climate action projects.

To get involved or to hear more about the ECO Academy, please go to ECO-UNESCO – ECO-UNESCO Learning Portal (ecounesco.ie)