Weaving Climate Action Into Every Course With Karen Costa

What if you were asked to incorporate climate action into your existing curriculum? Would you respond with: “I’m not a climate scientist,” and follow up with “what does climate have to do with what I teach?” It may sound odd, but whether you teach calculus, drama, or beginner Spanish, our podcast guest says ALL courses are climate courses—period.  

Many of us experience feelings of anxiety or hopelessness when we hear the words "climate crisis." Knowing that the best way to stave off despair is through action, Karen Costa got to work. She created Climate Action Pedagogy (CAP) and with it, she wants educators to weave climate education into their classes, no climate science degree necessary. There’s no telling what the cumulative beneficial environmental and mental health impacts would be if students were empowered to address the climate crisis.  

In this episode, Dr. Emma Zone sits down with author, adjunct faculty, faculty development facilitator and the creator of CAP, Karen Costa to discuss:  

• the link between mental health and climate action education
• how all courses are climate courses
• how action is the antidote to despair
• the connection between neurodivergent students and climate action leadership 
• how to weave climate action into your course

To learn more about Karen Costa and the work she does, visit ClimateActionPedagogy.com, order a copy of her book 99 Tips for Creating Simple and Sustainable Educational Videos: A Guide for Online Teachers and Flipped Classes, and watch for the upcoming publication of Open Minds: Designing and Teaching for ADHD Students' Success.  

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Class dismissed.  

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