The Spanish curriculum has recognised the importance of climate change ahead of many other countries.
It has been impacted by adverse weather conditions including record breaking temperatures and droughts which have depleted groundwater reserves.
This Guardian article outlined the government plans.
They include a plan to educate young people and add the ability to cope with climate crisis disasters to the school curriculum, right down to primary age students.
The Spanish Prime Minister: Pedro Sánchez announced the plan in Cuenca earlier this week.
The official government website announcement.
And more news here.
Spanish students will now receive mandatory lessons on responding to natural and man-made disasters, including floods, wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and industrial accidents, under a new nationwide climate emergency education plan.
The initiative, unveiled Thursday, comes after a summer of deadly wildfires that claimed four lives and less than a year following catastrophic floods in eastern Spain that killed more than 220 people. The program aims to equip children with “the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes and values needed to deal with emergency situations safely and effectively,” according to the Ministry of Education.
Over 8 million students in 25,000 schools will take part, with training delivered through videos, infographics, and other educational media. Preschool and primary students will receive at least two hours of lessons, while older students will have a minimum of four hours. Regional authorities can adapt the curriculum to local risks.
Children as young as three will learn to recognize alarms, spot early danger signs, and understand basic safety principles. Older students will be taught practical responses, such as seeking high ground during floods or sheltering under desks during earthquakes. The lessons will also include guidance on distinguishing accurate information from disinformation during emergencies.
The website is now up on the Spanish Goverment's website.
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